SUNSET: 
0
Photographer:
vance-ley
Location of Photo:
Belen, New Mexico
Date/Time of photo:
5-2-22 through 5-25-22
Equipment:
C11 Edge, f/7 focal reducer, ASI 1600 mm camera with ASI filters and a Losmandy G11 mount
Description:
M51, also known as “The Whirlpool Galaxy” consists of two galaxies: the larger NGC 5194 and the smaller NGC 5195. M51 is located about 23 million light-years away in the direction of the constellation Canes Venatici. It is a favorite target for beginning amateurs, being easily found by star hopping from eta Ursa Major (Alkaid) to the middle star of an arc of three stars total (including Alkaid) curling under the handle of the big dipper. Directly beneath that arc, in approximately the direction of Arcturus, is a small triangle of stars. M51 is next to this triangle, positioned so that the triangle is between the star in the middle of the arc and M51. In binoculars, it presents as a very faint smudge. I have to check my glasses to make sure I’m not confusing it with dirty lenses. In a larger instrument its structure is much more obvious.
