Messier 51 (M51) is a grand-design spiral galaxy in the Canes Venatici constellation. M51 is also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. Its alternative designation is NGC 5194. M51 galaxy complex.
Image taken using the 32-inch Schulman telescope with STX camera on Mt. Lemmon, AZ. Approximately 8 hours of time exposure. Data capture by Adam Block, University of Arizona. LLRGB processing by JDS using CCDStack and Photoshop CS5.
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