Messier 51 (M51) and its companion NGC 5195, forming one of the most iconic galaxy pairs in the night sky.
🌌 Overview
- Name: Whirlpool Galaxy
- Catalog: Messier 51 (M51), NGC 5194
- Constellation: Canes Venatici
- Distance from Earth: ~23 million light-years
- Apparent Magnitude: ~8.4
- Size: ~11 × 7 arcminutes
- Type: Interacting Spiral Galaxy (SA(s)bc pec)
✨ What We See
This image captures the graceful spiral arms and intense interaction between:
- M51a (NGC 5194): A classic, face-on grand design spiral galaxy
- M51b (NGC 5195): A smaller companion, currently passing behind and distorting M51’s arms
- Tidal bridges and streams connecting the two galaxies, evidence of strong gravitational interaction
- Bright star-forming regions and dust lanes sculpted by the interaction
🔭 Scientific Significance
- One of the most studied interacting galaxies
- Provides insight into galactic collisions, starburst activity, and structure evolution
- Was the first galaxy in which spiral structure was identified (by Lord Rosse in 1845)
- A key target for both amateur and professional astronomers for over a century
📷 Equipment Used
- Telescope: TS-Optics 80PHQ (544mm f/6.8 Quintuplet APO)
- Camera: SVBONY SV605MC (IMX533 Mono)
- Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro
- Guiding: Off-Axis Guider with veLOX 178 C
- Filters: LRGB
- Software: NINA, PHD2, PixInsight, Photoshop
- Watermark: Signature overlay
📝 Final Thoughts
The Whirlpool Galaxy is a timeless deep-sky favorite. Its majestic spiral arms and ongoing interaction with NGC 5195 make it not just beautiful but scientifically invaluable. It’s a powerful reminder that galaxies are not static — they evolve through cosmic dance.
Where gravity swirls, galaxies twist — and stars are born.
Clear skies!