One of the images was taken on March 29, 2011 through a red filter. The other image, taken through a luminance (clear) filter was taken on June 4, 2011 after the supernova had exploded in M51.
The supernova designation is SN 2011dh and is a type II L.
CREDITS:
Mike Thompson-Renzi
DATE:
06-06-2011
LOCATION:
Starhoo Observatory, www.starhoo.com, Lakeville, MA. 41° 85 N 70° 95 W