April 2008 Astro-Image

Each month we will show one of the celestial wonders imaged from Washington Village. This month's image is the stunning 'Whirlpool Galaxy'.

The 'Whirlpool Galaxy' was discovered by Charles Messier on October 13, 1773 and designated M51. Its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, ( the smaller 'eye' shaped galaxy at the bottom of the group) was discovered in 1781 by Pierre Méchain. It was however not until 1845 that the Whirlpool became the first galaxy to be recognized as a spiral. This was achieved by Lord Rosse employing a 72-inch reflecting telescope which he constructed at Birr Castle, Ireland.

Taken on 06/04/08 using a Starlight Xpress CCD camera and an 80mm APO Refractor, comprising of 10 subframes of 400 seconds each.