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(IAAC) Obj: M51, Whirpool Galaxy, NGC5194 - Inst: Celestron 8" SCT



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Observation Poster: Don Clouse <dlcdeepsky@home.com>

Observer: Don Clouse
Your skills: Intermediate (some years)
Date/time of observation: May 8, 1999, 12:48am EST
Location of site: near Curby, IN (Lat 38, Elev approx.  800 ft)
Site classification: Rural
Sky darkness: 6.0+ <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 9 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: Celestron 8" SCT
Magnification: 58x
Filter(s): none
Object(s): M51, Whirpool Galaxy, NGC5194
Category: External galaxy.
Class: Sbc
Constellation: CVn
Data: mag 8.4v  size 8.2'x6.9'
Position: RA 13:30  DEC 47:12
Description:
At 58x (35mm Ultima, 50' true field)the galaxy showed a relatively small,
concentrated core surrounded by a wide nearly circular haze, perhaps 10'x8'.
Spiral structure was occaisonally apparent with dust lanes popping in and
out of view.  Really neat!  

This was a memborable observation for a number of reasons.  The nights of 5/6
and 5/8, 1999 were two of the best skies I've ever observed under in my(whole)
4 years of doing this stuff.  Seeing and transparency were excellent.  I logged
39 objects over the course of the two eveinngs, including the last 25 objects I
needed to complete the Mesier list - and M51 was last.  What a great way to
finish! - Don Clouse, 7/29/2001
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