Whirlpool Galaxy

Well, some really fine images on this object by Dan and Jason are followed by one from me... I guess we are likely to see a few more of these before the season is up.

Full size image and exposure / processing details are at:

http://jthommes.com/Astro/m51.htm

This image was a bit of a challenge. Seeing was pretty good and the wind was calm. However there were variable high clouds throughout the night. I take my Luminance exposure, then my R G B exposures in separate batches (rather than interleaved). Therefore, more clouds during say red exposures than during blue exposures disrupts the color calibration. So in this image I unfortunately had to *calibrate* the color by eye.

For reference, Here is the earlier image:

http://jthommes.com/MiscAstro/Archives/m51.htm

And yet an even earlier image:

http://jthommes.com/MiscAstro/Archives/m51(2003).htm

Hey Jim,
That looks so good, it is identical to NASA picture from Hubble. Very nice features shown. Thanks for sharing Jim.

Bill

Jim,

It's nice to see your progression over the years. Very nice results with your current attempt despite all your challenges and the relatively short exposures!

Eric

You got fine detail on the galaxy, Jim, and the color looks good to this eye, too.
I don't think one can have too many images of M51; Have you ever heard a man say "A picture of Brooke Burke in a bikini? No thanks, I've already seen one."?
My regards,

dan

Hi Jim,
Very nice image! You have a good eye,the color looks great.
I always enjoy seeing your progression from old images to new as well.

Jason

Thanks for the comments guys. I guess I did get the color OK by eye ;>)

Beautiful work Jim ! amongst your best.