M101 Pinwheel Galaxy

Image information:

Date: 06/22/2023
Equipment: Moravian C1+ 12000A camera through APM/LZOS 105/650 APO telescope with IDAS HEUIB-II filter on Losmandy GM8 mount. The telescope was working at f6.2 with Astro-Tech 2" field flattene
Image type: OSC
Exposure time: 80X180s, gain 40.
Comment:  

Object information:

Object designations:

M101, NGC5457, some parts of M101 have their own NGC numbers, Pinwheel Galaxy
Object type:
Spiral galaxy
Object size:
22'
Constellation: Ursa Major
Comment:

M101 is the most prominent galaxy in a group of at least 9 galaxies, called M101 Group. M101 is a spiral galaxy with asymmetric structure. M101 is also noted for more than 3000 star forming regions (HIII regions) spread across its arms. Largest of them can be seen on the image as areas of pinkish hue. M101 also has lots of clusters of bluish young stars (in areas where star formation has already mostly finished). Both its asymmetrical structure and HIII regions are result of close encounter with one of the neighboring galaxies. Gravitational tidal waves have disturbed the arms of the M101 and also caused compression of hydrogen gas in the star forming areas. M101 is a very large galaxy, it has a diameter of 170kly (twice the size of our galaxy). Its distance is about 24Mly.

Related images:

List of related images:

M101, LRGB, ST2000XM through WO ZS105ED telescope

 

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