Journey to the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
Prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51. This iconic spiral galaxy, located about 28 million light-years away, is a popular target for astrophotographers due to its striking appearance and the visible interaction with its smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195.
Capturing the Cosmos: Acquisition Details
This stunning image of the Whirlpool Galaxy was brought to life through meticulous acquisition under challenging Bortle 7 skies. The capture involved a significant amount of data to bring out the fine details and colors:
- NIR (Near-Infrared): 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Blue: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Green: 1 hour and 39 minutes
- Red: 1 hour and 39 minutes
The Gear Behind the Glory
Achieving such a detailed image requires a robust setup. The equipment used for this capture includes:
- Telescope: Apertura CarbonStar RC6
- Camera: Player One Ares-M Pro
- Autoguiding: ZWO ASI120MM Mini with QHY OAG-M Pro
- Filter Wheel: Touptek 7×2 AFW
- Filters: svbony 5 nm SHO and Antlia LRGB-V Pro
- Mount: ZWO AM5N
- Focusing: QHY Q-Focuser and MeLe Quieter 3C
Refining the Vision: Processing Workflow
The raw data was expertly processed using PixInsight. Every frame was stacked and calibrated to ensure the highest quality output, bringing out the intricate structure and colors of the Whirlpool Galaxy.
This image is a testament to the dedication and skill involved in modern astrophotography, transforming raw data into a window to the universe.
