Observation Notes
Whirlpool Galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus.
Whirlpool Galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus.
*Whirlpool Galaxy from Everett Quebral's AstroBin gallery*
*View on AstroBin: [https://app.astrobin.com/i/350355](https://app.astrobin.com/i/350355)*
About Whirlpool Galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. It is 31 million lightyears away and 23.58 kiloparsecs (76,900 ly) in diameter.
Learn more on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whirlpool_Galaxy
Imaging
Equipment Versatility
Beginner: DSLR/mirrorless + short lens, simple tracking or tripod.
Intermediate: Small refractor on EQ mount, dedicated astro camera.
Advanced: Larger aperture, precise guiding, mono camera + filters.