From Beginner to Whirlpool: An Astrophotographer's Journey with M51

As a burgeoning astrophotographer, the learning curve can feel steep, but the rewards are truly out of this world! I'm thrilled to share my latest endeavor: a re-edit of data from April, showcasing the magnificent Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). This project was a fantastic opportunity to refine my skills using a suite of powerful software, including Siril, Graxpert, Photoshop, and Lightroom.

The journey from capturing raw data to presenting a polished image is incredibly rewarding, and it's amazing how much progress can be made in a short time. The passion for this hobby is infectious, and it's a joy to share this experience, especially with my grandson, who is equally captivated by the cosmos.

The Celestial Target: M51, The Whirlpool Galaxy

M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, is a classic spiral galaxy located about 28 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. Its distinct spiral arms and interaction with a companion galaxy make it a popular and beautiful subject for astrophotographers.

The Gear Behind the Shot

To capture this image, I utilized the following equipment:

Telescope: Newton 200/1000
Mount: EQ6-R Pro
Camera: ASI533MC Pro
Autoguiding: ASI120mm Guiding Camera with SVBONY 165mm Guidescope
Focusing: Baader MPCC Mark3
Control System: ASIAIR+
Filters: UV/IR Cut Filter

Acquisition Details

Lights: 40 x 300 seconds
Biases: 40
Dark Flats: 40
Flats: 40
Gain: 100
Temperature: -10°C
Location: Bortle 7, Berlin

Processing Workflow

This image represents a significant step in my processing journey. The raw data was meticulously stacked and processed using:

Siril: For initial stacking and calibration.
Graxpert: For stretching and noise reduction.
Photoshop: For detailed adjustments, color balancing, and sharpening.
Lightroom: For final color grading and touch-ups.

The Result

Here is the final processed image of the Whirlpool Galaxy:

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

It's incredibly satisfying to see the details emerge from the data, and I'm eager to continue exploring the universe through my camera. The astronomical community is incredibly supportive, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and learn from others.