Down the Whirlpool

NGC 5194/5195 (M-51)
The “Whirlpool Galaxy”
Interacting galaxies
24/05/06
Ilford NSW Australia
41cm f4.5 dobsonian telescope
Field: 23′
Magnification: x210
Canes Venatici

Black Canford paper
White pen
White pencil
White pastel chalk
Blending stump
Paint brush

What can I say about the Whirlpool Galaxy?

At my location Messier 51 is at a little over +47 deg, so it is about as far north as I can go without getting ridiculous, especially when there is a big chunk of glass sitting at the bottom of the telescope.
At this extreme declination I only require a modest chair to sit on as the object is so low in the northern sky.

I done this sketch in 2006 in my old 41cm dob, which was before I purchased a sky quality meter so information on the “seeing” conditions is a bit scant.

However the northern sky from my site always seems to look a bit hazy down low despite the fact that there is no major city in that direction except from the
rural township of Mudgee some 40km away.

I best leave any thoughts on my interpretation of NGC 5194/5195 for those who observe it far higher in the sky than me.

Scott Mellish

3 thoughts on “Down the Whirlpool”

  1. Hi Scott,

    M51 is not a target I would really have contemplated having a go at from our latitude, being so far north. This sketch of yours makes me think twice about it, and its mates up north. The clarity of your sketch, showing so much structure, only enthuses me to have a go.

    ——-

    I had the pleasure meeting Scott recently. He was so gracious with his time and willingness to share insights to his technique. His technique so much the opposite to what I was doing, yet also so very logical, it left me guawking.

    Scott also brought along a couple of his nearly 16 ALBUMS of sketches! Each album at least 45 pages, and mostly two sketches per page. Such a treasure trove of loveingly produced work.

    Thanks, mate, for your time. Now the excitement for me is to make the most of what you’ve shown me.

    Alex M.

  2. Scott,

    This is very impressive.
    If I didn’t see it with my own eyes,I wouldn’t have believed anyone as far south as you are would attempt going after this pair.
    Excellent!

    Frank 🙂

  3. Alex and Frank

    Thank you for the nice comments

    Alex- You will need a site with a good dark sky with a bit of altitude and a clear northern horizon.

    Scott

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