The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) captured from the skies of the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

Located about 23.5 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, M51 is one of the most famous interacting spiral galaxies in the night sky. Its striking spiral structure is believed to be enhanced by the gravitational interaction with its companion galaxy NGC 5195, visible beside it. Several distant background galaxies also appear throughout the frame, including IC 4277 and IC 4278, adding depth to this cosmic scene.

Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P
ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Baader UV/IR-Cut L-Filter
iOptron HAE43 Mount

111 images × 300-second exposures
Total integration: 9 hours 15 minutes
Processed using
Pixinsight and Photoshop