M101 + Raffaele Calcagno + L-QEF (L-Quad Enhance Filter)

M101

Credit: Raffaele Calcagno

Filters: Optolong L-QEF (L-Quad Enhance Filter)

 

 

M101, known as the Pinwheel Galaxy, is located about 21 million light-years away from us, in the constellation Ursa Major. It is a large spiral galaxy with long, bright arms that resemble the shape of a pinwheel. It is very vast, its diameter is about 170,000 lightyears, making it even larger than our Milky Way. Within its arms there are many young stars and large clouds of gas where new stars continue to form. Over time, several very bright stellar explosions have also been observed, a sign that this galaxy is still very active. Thanks to its size and its clearly visible shape.
I hope you like it!

 

 

 

 

Technical data:
Telescope/Mount: Skywatcher 150P & HEQ5 Pro
Camera: 294 MC Pro
Integration & filter:
180 frames of 300” Optolong L-QEF
Acquisition: ASIAIR Mini
Guide scope: Taka 60/240
Guide camera: ZWO 224 with UV/IR cut
Location: Faggiano (TA), 22–23/02/2026
Bortle: 6
Moon phase: 22/33%
Processing software: DSS–PS
Credits: Raffaele Calcagno

Enjoy~