M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy, Apr 2021
Planewave CDK11/ASI2600MC/no filter
This image is actually of two galaxies that appear to touch, but the one on the left (M51) is closer than the one on the right (NGC5195). Although their gaseous atmospheres are connected, the irregular shape points to a more intimate interaction in the past. M51 is pegged at 23 million light years distant. Several other, even more distant galaxies can be found in the image, appearing as discs, or fuzzy stars - a couple even have spiral arms.