Nights at Melinda Heights

Name: M51
Alternate Names: M51A/M51B, NGC 5194/5195, Whirlpool Galaxy
Constellation: Canes Venetaci
Distance: 23,000,000 Light Years
Magnitude: 8.4
Size: 11.2 x 6.9 Arc Minutes
Type: Spiral Galaxy
Discovered: Charles Messier October 13, 1773
Fun Fact: M51 consists of two galaxies, M51A and M51B. M51B passed through M51A
about 500-600 million years ago causing the spiral shape of M51A.

Telescope: Televue NP101
Camera QSI 683
Mount: Losmandy G11
Exposure: L=6×600 Seconds R=6×600 Seconds G=6×600 Seconds B=6×600 Seconds