M51

 

     M51 is a beautiful face-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici but it is found more easily by jogging northeast off the end of the handle on the Big Dipper.  Notable for its dramatic swirling spirals as well as the connected companion galaxy NGC5195.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Optics Camera Film Exposure Mount/Guiding Scanning Processing Location Date
10" SCT @ f11 Nikon F Provia 400F pushed +2 2 x 60 min G11 with ST4 on GEG Minolta Scan Dual II Levels/Curves in PS; Registered & stacked in Registar Cottonwood Springs, CA 1/31/03

Comments: Very good seeing.  No wind.  Guided well.  First image taken at f11 with this scope!