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M101/M102 - The Pinwheel Galaxy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Object Spiral Galaxy “The Pinwheel Galaxy” (M101), in Ursa Major
  Telescope (Photo) Meade LX200GPS 12” SCT @ f/6.3
  Telescope (Guiding) Meade LX200GPS 12" SCT @ f/6.3 (off-axis)
  Camera (Photo) Canon 20Da DSLR
  Camera (Guiding) Meade DSI Pro II w/Autostar Envisage
  Exposure Detail Sigma-Median combination of 4 images at 600 seconds each, ISO400; RAW file conversion, full calibration (bias, flat, dark), and initial image processing using ImagesPlus 2.75; final image processing using Photoshop CS2
  Location Chiefland Astronomy Village, Florida  (N29.409, W82.860)
  Date 04/23/06
  Comments M102 is the same object as M101, which occurred through an error in the original Messier cataloging.  However, spiral galaxy NGC5866 is believed by some astronomers to be the "real" M102.  Due to a recording error by Charles Messier, M102's position remains unclear and astronomers generally believe M102 to be a duplicate observation of M101.  However, if the recording error is rationalized, NGC5866 can be found in the position perhaps intended originally by Messier.