Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51)

This is actually a pairing: two gravitationally interacting galaxies (NGC5195 on the left, and Messier 51 on the right)! Under forces of that gravitational interaction, streams of gas (and stars) are flung away from the pair; these "tidal features" are the gold and faint regions you see nearby. If you look closer, you can see many other distant galaxies in this image, including an edge-on galaxy (IC4277) just below the lower left corner of NGC5195. This image combines 24 hours of imaging (144 10-minute exposures) with an 8" reflector in my Indiana backyard. You can find more technical details at: https://www.astrobin.com/r0wi83/

• Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Lustre Paper
• 210gsm
• Vibrant, fine-grain pebble texture
• Archival: 100+ years on display, 200+ years in storage
• Silver halide, RA-4 wet printing process
• Sizing: White borders do not change size of the print