Whirlpool Galaxy, 19th century
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Whirlpool Galaxy, 19th century
Whirlpool Galaxy. 19th-century astronomical observation of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51a, NGC 5194) and its smaller companion galaxy (NGC 5195, M51b). North is at top. They are some 23 million light years away, in the constellation of Canes Venatici. At the time, such objects were still thought to be nebulae. This 90-minute exposure was obtained in March 1897, from the observatory in Daramona, Westmeath, Ireland, operated by Irish astronomer William Edward Wilson (1851-1908), one of the pioneers of the new techniques of astrophotography. Published in Astronomical and Physical Researches (1900)
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Media ID 9218483
© ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1897 Amateur Astronomy Astrophotograph Astrophotography Astrophysical Astrophysics Canes Venatici Companion Early Astronomical Photographs Galactic Galaxies Galaxy Irish Long Exposure March Night Sky Observation Pioneering Spiral Galaxy Telescope Universe Ngc 5194 Whirlpool Galaxy
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This print showcases the Whirlpool Galaxy, a stunning astronomical observation captured in the 19th century. The image depicts the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51a, NGC 5194) and its smaller companion galaxy (NGC 5195, M51b), situated approximately 23 million light years away in the constellation of Canes Venatici. Back then, these celestial objects were still believed to be nebulae, adding an air of mystery to this historical snapshot. Taken in March 1897 from the Daramona Observatory in Westmeath, Ireland by Irish astronomer William Edward Wilson, this remarkable photograph is a testament to Wilson's pioneering work in astrophotography. With a long exposure time of 90 minutes, he skillfully captured the intricate details and ethereal beauty of these galactic wonders. Published later in Astronomical and Physical Researches (1900), this monochrome image offers us a glimpse into early astronomical photography techniques that paved the way for future advancements in astrophysics. It serves as a reminder of our ever-evolving understanding of our universe and how far we have come since those early days. As we gaze upon this mesmerizing piece of history from Science Photo Library's collection, we are reminded not only of humanity's quest for knowledge but also our enduring fascination with the mysteries that lie beyond our night sky.
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