Messier 51 - Whirlpool Galaxy

                        Spiral Galaxy

 In constellation Canes Venatici

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Messier 51 and its companion NGC 5194. The Whirlpool Galaxy

was discovered by Charles Messier in 1773. Messier 51 is estimated to

weigh 160 billion solar masses and is located 23 Million light years away

and measures 38,000 light years across.

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RA 13h 29m 52.07s

DEC +47° 11′ 43.0″

Messier 51 has a mag (brightness) of 9.0

and its size is 11.2' x 6.9'

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Imaging Scope : William Optics FLT110 [TEC]

Focal Length = 715mm [2X Electronic Zoom]

Imaging Camera : GSTAR-EX Video

EQ6 Pro GEM Mount : Unguided

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181 Frames Used From 2,714 [3 minute video]

Baldrine, Isle of Man, British Isles.

21:50 on 21/02/2007.