RCOS 16" RC @ f/8.4 SBIG STL 11k Astrodon Series I LRGB     plus 6 nm Ha (HaL)(HaR)GB: Ha = 30 min x 7, 1x1 L =   15 min x 30, 1x1 R =  15 min x 11, 2x2 G =  15 min x 11, 2x2 B =  15 min x 11, 2x2 Image data acquired remotely at New Mexico Skies. Processed with CCDsoft, Registar, Sigma Combine, CCDsharp, Neat Image, and Adobe PS.
								M101, aka NGC 5457, aka the Pinwheel Galaxy, is located about 27 million lightyears away in the constellation Ursa Major. It spans about 170,000 lightyears in diameter, corresponding to an angular size of 22 arcminutes. It is a large and asymmetrical spiral galaxy. Note the reddish HII regions in the spiral arms, representing areas where hydrogen is slowly compressed over millions of years to form new stars.
					M101 -- Click on image to enlarge    Mouseover image to see 1st      attempt from 4 years ago