Gear:

Telescope: Celestron CPC1100
Mount: Celestron CPC1100
Camera: Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi / Kiss X2
Filter: IDAS LPS-P2 2"
Accesories:Celestron 0.63X SCT Reducer
Guiding: Orion Star Shoot Planetary Imager & Autoguider
Software: Photoshop • Deep Sky Stacker • Starklabs PHD Guiding

Description:

Nestled amidst the vast cosmic expanse, the M106 galaxy beckons with its resplendent beauty and enigmatic nature. Located approximately 23.5 million light-years away from Earth, this stunning spiral galaxy resides within the constellation Canes Venatici. Spanning an impressive diameter of about 135,000 light-years, M106 captivates observers with its grandeur and intricate structure. Its spiral arms, adorned with dust lanes and bright star clusters, spiral outward from a luminous central core, casting a mesmerizing glow that illuminates the cosmic tapestry.

Within the heart of M106, a supermassive black hole, millions of times more massive than our Sun, holds sway, exerting its gravitational influence on the surrounding stellar inhabitants. This galactic behemoth fuels the intense activity observed in M106, giving rise to energetic jets and emitting powerful streams of radiation that traverse vast cosmic distances.

Distance: 23.5 Million light-years
Size: 135,000 light-years

All Images    Craig Sherris