Whirlpool Galaxy -- M 51
This spiral galaxy and its companion are about 15 million light years distant in the constellation Canes Venatici, just south of the handle of the Big Dipper. The tracking wasn't very good on this one, but I was pleased that I could capture a bit of the structure in the spiral arms. 8 minute total exposure; ATIK 314L+ color CCD camera on 9.25" Edge HD with f/6.3 focal reducer; (poorly) hand guided.
Whirlpool Galaxy -- M 51
This spiral galaxy and its companion are about 15 million light years distant in the constellation Canes Venatici, just south of the handle of the Big Dipper. The tracking wasn't very good on this one, but I was pleased that I could capture a bit of the structure in the spiral arms. 8 minute total exposure; ATIK 314L+ color CCD camera on 9.25" Edge HD with f/6.3 focal reducer; (poorly) hand guided.