Whirlpool Galaxy- M51

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a, M51a, and NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus.[5][6][7] It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy.[8] Its distance is 31 million light-years away from Earth.[9]

The galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195,[10] are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may be seen with binoculars.[11] The Whirlpool Galaxy has been extensively observed by professional astronomers, who study it to understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.

Location: Starry Night Ranch

Scope: Celestron 8 Edge

Camera: AP533 MM Pro, ZWO FW and HaLRGB filters

integration: 15 hrs

Capture Software: N.I.N.A

Combined and processed in Pixinsight

Taken 2/26-3/6/22