M101 - PinWheel Galaxy

Click on the image to view full size! Image Acquisition Details: 98x 120s subs, total 3.2 hrs.

Equipment:

• Explore Scientific ED127CF APO telescope

• Optalong L-Pro Filter

• ZWO ASI 294 MC Pro Camera @ -10 c

• Skywatcher EQ6-R mount

• Guided using ASIair Pro.

About M101 - The Pinwheel Galaxy:

M101 is a large spiral galaxy that is approximately 21 million light years from earth and is almost twice the diameter of our own Milkyway Galaxy, coming in at around 170,000 light years across compared to the mere 100,000 light year diameter of the Milkyway. The arms of the Pinwheel galaxy are partly distorted and therefore not symmetrical due to interactions with companion galaxies. M101 also contains a large amount of HII regions which is home to some very intense star formation.

Where in the sky is it?

M101 is located in the constellation of Ursa Major. With many people being farmiliar with the 'Big dipper' or 'Sauce pan' part of this constellation, M101 is located above the end of the 'Handle'.

Previous captures of M101

Below is my first attempt at M101 which I took in my first few months of doing astrophotography. Although I am not 100% happy with the latest attempt, there is a definite improvement over my first attempt, shown below.