M51 (NGC5194) in Canes Venatici, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. The smaller component, NGC5195, is thought to lie some distance behind the bigger galaxy. What we actually see here is a galaxy collision.

EXPOSURE DATA: TAL 150 PM 150mm f/5 Newtonian telescope on a Vixen SP equatorial mount; modified Starlight Xpress MX5-C camera, 38 out of 50 60s exposures, from my backyard in The Hague, April 11, 2005.

Below an older exposure (spring 2004) made with a modified webcam is shown. This exposure actually got me started in CCD imaging!