Whirlpool in space

M51 

The Spiral Galaxy M51 (NGC 5194) in Canes Venatici

For the amateur M51 is easy and a showpiece if the sky is dark, but is quite
sensitive for light pollution which easily makes it fade in the background. Under
very good conditions, even suggestions of its spiral arms can be glanced with
telescopes starting from 4-inch. Low magnification is best for viewing this pair

Right Ascension:13 : 29.9 (h:m)

Declination:        +47 : 12 (deg:m)

Distance:              37000 (kly)

Apparent Dimension:11×7 (arc min)

Sketch was made large on A4 black cartridge paper using white and colored pastels
and pencils after viewing an astrophotograph…

The sketch was then scanned and processed in Photoshop cs.

All the Best from Athens,

Peter

2 thoughts on “Whirlpool in space”

  1. Peter,

    The sketches you have presented here are bright and colorful. This one is no exception. It might not be an eyepiece drawing, but it is wonderfully done. I really like your rendering results.

    Frank

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