ABU DHABI ASTRONOMY PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The whirlpool galaxy (M51), taken from Abu Dhabi desert on 24/04/2015. The temperature was too high for my camera. The image processing was very tricky! - David Attie

Telescope: C11+focal reducer 0.63x (focal length=1764mm

Camera: EOS 450d modified +CLS-CCD filter

Exposures : 10x5 minutes (800 iso)

11 darks

11 flats

50 bias

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 in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. Recently it was estimated to be 23 ± 4 million light-years from the Milky Way, but different methods yield distances between 15 and 35 million LY. Messier 51 is one of the best known galaxies in the sky. The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.

WEEK END STARGAZING WITH GAA

May 21, 2015 at Al Wathba, Al Qaissieh private farm, Abu Dhabi Astronomy and GEMS American Academy joint together and spent a Thursday night with Faculty and Students. The weather favored us and allowed us to enjoy the trip. Two students amazed to see the moon in real for the first time and added their excitement when they saw planet Venus through telescopes.  

We are lucky to have the crescent moon, Planet Venus, Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its moons and Binary Stars right through the eye piece. The experience was great and what makes it more wonderful is to have the two groups tightened it's relationship to promote Astronomy to the people of Abu Dhabi.