Whirlpool (M51)

Object Type: Galaxy
Scope: Orion 10" Newtonian; Exposure 60 minutes.

The Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51, NGC 5194) is a classic 'grand-design' spiral in Canes Venatici, interacting with its smaller companion NGC 5195. Distance estimates range from about 23 to 31 million light-years. It was the first galaxy in which spiral structure was recognized, sketched by Lord Rosse in 1845. Its sharply defined arms are being enhanced by the ongoing gravitational encounter with NGC 5195, which is passing behind the larger galaxy. It is the brightest member of the M51 Group and has hosted several recent supernovae, including SN 2011dh. Both Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope have produced landmark images of it.