Messier Object 101, known as the Pinwheel Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major (of which the big dipper is a part). The galaxy is located approximately 21 million light years from Earth.

While we have imaged this galaxy before, we have taken another run at it, this time including Hydrogen Alpha emissions data in the capture process. These show up as the red areas throughout the arms of the galaxy in the image, and the individual NGC designation for the larger regions can be seen in the annotated image below.

Image & Equipment Details:
Date: 2/18/2017
HaRGB Image, 240 minutes total light integration
R: 6X600s Bin 1X1
G: 6X600s Bin 1X1
B: 6X600s Bin 1X1
Ha: 6X600s Bin 1X1
Calibrated with bias, flat, and dark frames
Processed in PixInsight
Temp: -20C

Imaging Scope: Explore Scientific 127CF Apochromatic Triplet
Imaging Camera: SBIG STF-8300M

Annotated Image: