Date: 6/27//2012
Description: The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194) is an interacting[6] grand-design[7] spiral galaxy that is estimated to be 23 ± 4 million light-years from the Milky Way Galaxy[3] in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is one of the most famous galaxies in the sky.[8] The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars.[9] The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.
Sky Conditions:
Clear sky, urban light pollution
FWHM: 2.5 - 3.0 arc sec/pixel
Imaging:
Exposure: 210 min (15 x 5min L, 45 x 5min R, 45 x 5min G, 45 x 5min B) at 2x2 bin using CLS Filter
Guiding: 6 sec at 1x1 bin
Equipment:
SBIG STF8300M CCD (LRGB filters)
AT10RC at F8
Starlight Focuser & Multiport
Guide-scope (475mm) w/STi guider using ADM guide adjuster
AP1200 mount
SW:
Maxim DL V5, FocusMax, CCD-autopilot V4, Robofocus, AP ASCOM V2, SkyX, Photoshop CS4 (using Astro-Tools deep space noise reduction) - no noise reduction and no sharpening, calibration with only darks and bias