This is an image of M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy. It is actually two interacting galaxies NGC 5195 is the smaller galaxy) about 23 million light years away in the constellation of Canes Venatici.
May 12-28, 2012
Location: Rancho Hidalgo, NM
Telescope: TEC-140 APO (F7)
Camera: SBIG ST8300M
Luminance 12X20 minute exposures (binned 1x1)
Red 8X15 minute exposures (binned 2x2)
Green8X15 minute exposures (binned 2x2)
Blue8X15 minute exposures (binned 2x2)