Whirlpool Galaxy M51

M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral galaxy located 31 million light years away from Earth. It is located in the constellation Canes Venatici.

This photo comprises of 3 imaging sessions,

2 in March 2025, and once in March 2024.

31 million years ago the earth was in the Oligocene Epoch. Around this time period fish in the Green River Utah that are now fossils were swimming in the rivers. The first horses appeared during this time period, along with elephants bats and whales.

Acquisition Details:

15.25 hours integration time

Mount: Star Adventurer GTI

Telescope: SVBony SV503 70ED

Filters: Optolong L Pro

Autoguiding: 120mm Mini and 30mm scope

Processing: Pixinsight and Photoshop

Facts Source: “Messier 51 (the Whirlpool Galaxy) - NASA Science.” NASA, NASA, 25 Aug. 2024, science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/explore-the-night-sky/hubble-messier-catalog/messier-51/.”