click the image above for a larger version (45%)

 

Catalogue and alternative designations M 51, NGC 5194-95, Whirlpool Galaxy

 

Type Galaxy 
Position 13 29.9, +47 12
Constellation Canes Venatici
Camera and Telescope STL11000M and 12.5" Ritchey Chretien
Focal Ratio F9
Exposure Details Data acquired by Jon Christensen
Description

The Whirlpool galaxy is one of the best known galaxies in the northern sky.  It was first discovered by Messier in 1773.  Mechain discovered the companion (NGC 5195) somewhat later in 1781.  Lord Rosse was the first to discover it's spiral structure in 1845 with his 72" telescope.  The distance is about 23 million light years.

This galaxy is just visible near the horizon at Canberra latitudes when it culminates during April.