M51 Whirlpool Galaxy

M51 is an interacting grand design spiral galaxy with an active core. It is 23 million lighyears distant and has a diameter of 76,000 lightyears. The main galaxy is also known as M51A and is consuming its smaller companion, M51B.

More from Antenna Site in the desert west of Phoenix. The luminance data is from two separate trips several weeks apart. Color data was taken at home. I have had a lot of clear skies so I was able to get an enormous amount of color data.

Gear

Telescope	Orion Optics UK ODK12
Mount	10Micron GM1000HPS
Imaging Camera	QHY163M
Guide Camera	QHY5III178
Filter Wheel	QHYCFW2
Filters	Baader L, R, G, B 36mm unmounted
Focuser	FT3015B-A

Shot Details

Automation Software	TBA
Image Processing	PixInsight
Guiding	None
L	198 x 120sec at -10°C
R	228 x 120sec at -10°C
G	208 x 120sec at -10°C
B	236 x 120sec at -10°C
Total Integration	29 hours
Gain	120
Offset	70
Ambient	10°C, 20°C
Moon	<5%
Bortle	1 and 6/7
Location	Salome, AZ; Phoenix, AZ