I took this image of M51 about 2 weeks ago...
This is the 'Whirlpool Galaxy' in Canes Venatici. Its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, directly above M51, is an example of interacting galaxies, in this case NGC 5195 is being "ripped apart" by the huge gravitational disturbance of M51.
The distance of M51 is estimated to be about 37 million light years. The diameter is approximately 100,000 light years and the total mass is estimated to be the equivalent of 160 billion suns.
I shot this using a series of 35x120 second exposures, ISO 800, using a Canon 40D, with 6.3 focal reducer, and LP filters in the optical train, all mounted on a 10" SC telescope.
Nice photo!
I tried astro photography for a bit, but, I need better equipment.
I have had some luck with my Digital Video camera on low light setting.
I took some video of Mars and Regulus last night. I hope to get it up to you-tube soon.
I may just have to get up early one day this week and take a peek at this.
Some of my other videos are here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Q4RdU_Tik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgpEa5onQBo
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI-CAbRBiQI