Galaxy Thread - Post your images of galaxies

[Jeff WX1USN]

Being an avid astro photographer I am starting several astro photo threads to showcase everyones images. They don't have to be anything special and can be taken with any type of equipment.

This is the Galaxy thread where we will showcase galaxies

Here is M51 known as the Whirlpool Galaxy.

From the Wiki "
The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus.[6][7][8] It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. It is 7.22 megaparsecs (23.5 million light-years) away and 23.58 kiloparsecs (76,900 ly) in diameter.

The galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195, are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may be seen with binoculars. The Whirlpool Galaxy has been extensively observed by professional astronomers, who study it and its pair with NGC 5195 to understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions. Its pair with NGC 5195 is among the most famous and relatively close interacting systems, and thus is a favorite subject of galaxy interaction models

 

[JohnPD]

Oh my goodness. This is so great. What a terrific image.

Do you shoot these from your backyard?

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

No, these were were from remote hosting observatories. I am a member of SLOOH an amateur hosting observatory with scopes in the Canary Islands, Chile and Australia. They have 2 20" scopes 2 17" scopes and several others. This Galaxy was from Chile.
In my yard I have 5 regular telescopes the biggest being 8" and 2 Smart Telescopes, called Seestars, the can do most of the work for you. My problem at home is light pollution living 300 feet from a major mall. I also do Solar Imaging with specialized scopes and filters.

Here is one of my galaxies from the backyard

 

[Levina]

No, these were were from remote hosting observatories. I am a member of SLOOH an amateur hosting observatory with scopes in the Canary Islands, Chile and Australia. They have 2 20" scopes 2 17" scopes and several others. This Galaxy was from Chile.
In my yard I have 5 regular telescopes the biggest being 8" and 2 Smart Telescopes, called Seestars, the can do most of the work for you. My problem at home is light pollution living 300 feet from a major mall. I also do Solar Imaging with specialized scopes and filters.

Here is one of my galaxies from the backyard

View attachment 610

That is just awesome.

 

[JohnPD]

No, these were were from remote hosting observatories. I am a member of SLOOH an amateur hosting observatory with scopes in the Canary Islands, Chile and Australia. They have 2 20" scopes 2 17" scopes and several others. This Galaxy was from Chile.
In my yard I have 5 regular telescopes the biggest being 8" and 2 Smart Telescopes, called Seestars, the can do most of the work for you. My problem at home is light pollution living 300 feet from a major mall. I also do Solar Imaging with specialized scopes and filters.

Here is one of my galaxies from the backyard

View attachment 610

What Levina said: awesome.

And amazing you can get these results from your own backyard.

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

A mosaic of the Andromeda Galaxy M31

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

Messier 33
From the Wiki "The Triangulum Galaxy is a spiral galaxy 2.73 million light-years (ly) from Earth in the constellation Triangulum. It is catalogued as Messier 33 or NGC 598. With the D25 isophotal diameter of 18.74 kiloparsecs (61,100 light-years), the Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, behind the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way."

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

 

[PhotoNut]

The galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195, are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may be seen with binoculars.

I have binoculars. In which direction would I have to look to see this?

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

I have binoculars. In which direction would I have to look to see this?

to see M51 the Whirlpool find the big dipper in the Northeast in the late evening around 10 or 11 pm look for the handle (3 stars) the last star is Alkaid, the end of the handle, look to the east of it about 2 or 3 finger widths as if the galaxy were a drop of water off the end of the handle.

an easier galaxy to see, even with the naked eye is Andromeda, M31, look in the Northwest about 35 degrees up, a hand width with your finger spread, both by eye and by binocs, it is a fuzzy spot in the sky. in the same area you will see the constellation Cassiopia, a big W or big M depending on its position. the lower part of the M i.e. the tip of the /\ points to the east and Andromeda

 

[RichardB]

These Astro images are crazy good!

 

[PhotoNut]

to see M51 the Whirlpool find the big dipper in the Northeast in the late evening around 10 or 11 pm look for the handle (3 stars) the last star is Alkaid, the end of the handle, look to the east of it about 2 or 3 finger widths as if the galaxy were a drop of water off the end of the handle.

an easier galaxy to see, even with the naked eye is Andromeda, M31, look in the Northwest about 35 degrees up, a hand width with your finger spread, both by eye and by binocs, it is a fuzzy spot in the sky. in the same area you will see the constellation Cassiopia, a big W or big M depending on its position. the lower part of the M i.e. the tip of the /\ points to the east and Andromeda

I saved your directions to a note. As soon as we have some clear skies I will give it a try. Thanks. appreciate it.
Also, I agree with RichardB: your images really are crazy good.

 

[Levina]

I saved your directions to a note.

So did I! I can find some things but galaxies just elude me.

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

So did I! I can find some things but galaxies just elude me.

I have about 10 pairs of binoculars including my top ones a pair of Canon Image stabilized binocs 15x50, It really helps finding objects as when you start the IS it locks on and no more jiggles.
Also get Stellarium on the PC and an app you can see where things are

 

[Levina]

a pair of Canon Image stabilized binocs 15x50

Yeah, 15x50 must be heavy and hard to handhold. Great for watching the night sky though.
I have Stellarium but still struggle with galaxies. It's weird, I can identify constellations, stars, some star clusters, planets in the solar system, but that's about it. And the Orion nebula of course, but that's an easy find; on clear nights you can see it with the naked eye. But something like Andromeda? Nope. And I know that galaxy can be seen with the naked eye. If only I could find it. It's ridiculous.

 

[Jeff WX1USN]

Yeah, 15x50 must be heavy and hard to handhold. Great for watching the night sky though.
I have Stellarium but still struggle with galaxies. It's weird, I can identify constellations, stars, some star clusters, planets in the solar system, but that's about it. And the Orion nebula of course, but that's an easy find; on clear nights you can see it with the naked eye. But something like Andromeda? Nope. And I know that galaxy can be seen with the naked eye. If only I could find it. It's ridiculous.

Actually they aren't that heavy lighter than my R6 and 100-500 or even R6 and battery grip and RF100-400

 

[Levina]

Actually they aren't that heavy lighter than my R6 and 100-500 or even R6 and battery grip and RF100-400

I just looked them up, about 2 pounds? A bit expensive too, although not like a Swarovski. Nice to have good gear though.

 

[Lyn]

Very interesting, beautiful photos.