M51 / Arp 85 / Whirlpool Galaxy

NameWhirlpool Galaxy
Designation(s)Arp 85, M 51, NGC 5194
Object Type(s)Galaxy
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron), Arp, Messier, NGC
Arp CategorySpiral galaxies with large high surface brightness companions on arms
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationCanes Venatici
Date and Time Observed2024-02-19 15:52:00
Instrument8" EdgeHD SCT
CameraASI294mc-Pro
Image DetailsUp is 275.5 degrees E of N. Total integration time was 52m. Exposure 30s@305g, UV/IR Cut Filter. Darks subtracted, no flats. Dithered and recentered in SharpCap. No guiding..
DescriptionThis is a very bright and familiar target, which I've captured successfully two other times. This was one of the clearest evenings of the Winter, and decided to stay on it to achieve "near" astrophotography quality despite using EAA techniques. The two galactic centers and the connecting dust lanes are clearly evident. Just beautiful! We've included two "bonus" observations: first an observation using my EVO 9.25, early in my EAA career. The other on July 15, 2024 on a so-so night using my EdgeHD to capture it using Bin2 on my ASI294 camera over 37m, and processed in Affinity Photo.
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