Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the Universe or we are not.
Both are equally terrifying.

— Arthur C. Clarke

Whirlpool Galaxy

Whirlpool Galaxy

I removed the previous image for an update. Continuing to "get out" while it is clear I decided to go for a longer exposure of M51 guided and then combined color in MaximDL5. The fit image is really nice in color, but when I change it to jpeg the results are different. So I present it as it is in jpeg format. It is a combined 210 min. LRGB consisting of 120L, 30R, 30G, and 30B at 5 min exposures, from 8:45 pm til 00:36 am on Friday evening 4-14-12.