Gallery Index

M51

Whirlpool Galaxy

A grand-design spiral in interaction

TypeGalaxy ConstellationCanes Venatici SeasonSpring PaletteNatural color
Image Details

Capture summary

Catalog M51

Galaxy in Canes Venatici

Exposure Broadband RGB

Natural color

Filters Natural color

Broadband RGB

Frame 2021

Spring target / wide composition

Exposure Breakdown Broadband RGB

Detailed filter totals have not been entered for this image yet.

A crisp spiral paired with its companion galaxy, showing star-forming arms and a tidal bridge in a compact frame.

Target Planner

Galaxy in Canes Venatici; best planned for March through May from New Jersey.

Best season March through May

Spring favors higher galaxy fields and northern targets after evening twilight.

Good from NJ Late winter through spring evenings

Assumes a New Jersey backyard horizon and evening imaging.

Object type Galaxy

Prioritize transparency, darker skies, and long broadband integration.

Constellation Canes Venatici

M51 is listed here in Canes Venatici.

Moon tolerance Best near new moon.

Current frame: Natural color / Broadband RGB.

Planning from Sewell, NJ

Calculating target altitude and moon context.

Check your location Open full planner

Use the full planner to enter a ZIP code, choose a date, and compare the target from your sky.

Planning values are approximate and update in your browser.

Planning site Sewell, NJ 39.7700, -75.1400
Current altitude ...

Based on the current time.

Target transit chart Compact altitude curve for this target over a full day. Target ...

Green marks usable dark-sky altitude.

Next transit ...

Next upper transit.

Rise / set ...

Approximate horizon crossing.

Moon now ...

Moon phase and altitude.