Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Canes Venatici (CVn)  ·  Contains:  IC 4263  ·  IC 4278  ·  M 51  ·  NGC 5169  ·  NGC 5173  ·  NGC 5194  ·  NGC 5195  ·  NGC 5198  ·  NGC 5229  ·  Whirlpool Galaxy
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Whirlpool Galaxy (M51 / NGC 5194), Nightlife
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Whirlpool Galaxy (M51 / NGC 5194)

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Whirlpool Galaxy (M51 / NGC 5194), Nightlife
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Whirlpool Galaxy (M51 / NGC 5194)

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Description

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51 / NGC 5194 & NGC 5195)
  • Type: Spiral Galaxy (M51) and dwarf elliptical galaxy (NGC 5195)
  • Distance: Approximately 23 million light years from Earth
  • Size: Around 80,000 light years in diameter
  • Apparent size: 11.2 x 6.9 arc minutes
  • Apparent magnitude: 8.4
  • Age: 400 million years
  • Constellation: Canes Venatici

M51 is actually a pair of galaxies: the larger Whirlpool Galaxy and a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195. They are interacting, creating the distinctive spiral shape and bridge-like structures between them.This system is one of the most famous examples of interacting galaxies and gives astronomers insights into galaxy formation and evolution. The Whirlpool Galaxy is a classic spiral galaxy, while its companion NGC 5195 is disrupting the main galaxy's structure, leading to areas of intense star formation.Details accurate to the best of my knowledge from research done in 2023.

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Whirlpool Galaxy (M51 / NGC 5194), Nightlife