Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn)  ·  Contains:  HD117815  ·  IC 4277  ·  IC 4278  ·  M 51  ·  NGC 5194  ·  NGC 5195  ·  Whirlpool Galaxy
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M51 - Whirpool Galaxy, AstroDivers
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M51 - Whirpool Galaxy

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M51 - Whirpool Galaxy, AstroDivers
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M51 - Whirpool Galaxy

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Description

The M51 Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as NGC 5194, is a stunning spiral galaxy located approximately 23 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is named after its distinct spiral arms, which create a swirling pattern resembling a whirlpool. The galaxy is actually a pair of interacting galaxies, with a smaller companion galaxy called NGC 5195 located just above it. The interaction between the two galaxies has caused a burst of new star formation, which can be seen in the bright blue clusters scattered throughout the galaxy's arms.

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M51 - Whirpool Galaxy, AstroDivers