Messier Object 51
9 Unguided 1-minute exposures
Celestron C8 Asgt + Meade Dsi IIc
Stacked in Registax 5, processed in Ps
Date - June 10th, 2009
Conditions - good, slight haze
More at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24850591@N03/ and
[url=http://autostarsuite.net/photos/chris_sant/default.aspx]http://autostarsuite.net/photos/chris_sant/default.aspx
Also worth a look: http://www.heavens-above.com/, for latest ISS passes and basic sky maps.
Messier 51 was discovered in 1774 by Charles Messier, and is designated as M51. Its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, was discovered in 1781 by Pierre Méchain. It was, however, not until 1845 that the Whirlpool became the first to be recognized as a spiral. This was achieved by Lord Rosse, employing a 1.83 m reflecting telescope, at Birr Castle in Ireland. Sometimes, M51 is used to refer to the pair of galaxies, in which case the individual galaxies may be referred to as M51A (main body) - NGC 5194 - and M51B (smaller satellite) - NGC 5195.
Messier 51 is easy observable by using an amateur telescope (~8 inch). Even through the light-polluted, Maltese skies, with larger instruments (over 11~12 inch in good dark skies), details in the spiral arms can be observed.
Messier 51 is located near Ursa Major (the Big Dipper or Bear), one of the most recognizable constellations visible all year round, though - technically - it is under the boundary of Canes Venatici.
Astronomical map showing location of Messier 51
Astronomical Society of Malta: June 2009
Guided Walk and Observing Session at il-Majjistral Nature and History Park
This will include a talk about the Summer Solstice by Prof. Frank Ventura.
Meeting: 19th June, 7pm sharp, in front of the Manikata Parish Church, near Mellieha.
There will be an opportunity to look through a replica of Galileo's telescope for a small donation.
Society website: http://www.maltastro.org/ (old updates)
Hope to see you there!
I should be coming, if I can manage to find a battery...... and some time to spare!
Astroman
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