M51 and Group
May 19, 2020
Photographer: Greg Parker
Summary Authors: Greg Parker; Jim Foster
Shown above is the spiral galaxy M51 (and M51 group) in the Canes-Venatici constellation, observed on a very rare, clear and moonless night. But because the air was quite humid, imaging M51 (also known as NGC-5194) was quite challenging. The whirlpool is so conspicuous since its orientation happens to be face-on to us. A number of other galaxies (fuzzy patches) in the M51 group can be detected on this frame.
Note that the supernova that was easily visible in 2011 is now no longer obvious. Image acquired on April 15, 2020.
Photo Details: Hyperstar III on a C11; with Trius 814C OSC CCD. 20 x 5-minute subs; added to a similar amount of original Hyperstar data that was taken years ago, then added some spikes to the stars for effect, which also makes it easier to distinguish stars from the galaxies.