The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. [6] [7] [8] It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. [9]

Jan 5, 2014 · The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51 (M51) and NGC 5194, is a grand-design spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici. The galaxy appears face-on when seen from Earth. Its designation in the New General Catalogue is NGC 5194. The galaxy lies about 23 million light years from Earth. It was named the Whirlpool because of its swirling spiral structure.

Feb 26, 2013 · The Whirlpool Galaxy is a classic spiral galaxy. At only 30 million light years distant and fully 60 thousand light years across, M51, also known as NGC 5194, is one of the brightest and most picturesque galaxies on the sky.

Apr 25, 2005 · The graceful, winding arms of the majestic spiral galaxy M51 (NGC 5194) appear like a grand spiral staircase sweeping through space. They are actually long lanes of stars and gas laced with dust.

Cataloged: Messier 51, NGC 5194; Constellation: Canes Venatici; Distance to Earth: About 23 million light-years; Radius: 30,000 light-years; Stars: 100 billion; Apparent size (V): 11′.2 × 6′.9

Feb 22, 2024 · The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51 or NGC 5194, is a stunning spiral galaxy located approximately 23 million light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most famous galaxies in the night sky, and is often used as a benchmark for studying spiral galaxies.

Messier 51 (NGC 5194), also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici in the M51 Group of galaxies. M51 is 31000000 light years away from Earth. M51 is best viewed during early spring, is magnitude 8.4, and can be viewed with binoculars. M51 is 11' x 7' in apparent size.

Aug 18, 2008 · One big Black Hole in the center of NGC 5194 holds the spiral dynamics while another lighter black hole flies near the big one and is captured in a circular orbit. On the way near...more. This...

Messier 51 or M51 (also designated NGC 5194/5) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It has an apparent visual magnitude of 8.4 and its angular diameter is 11x7 arc-minutes. M51 lies at an estimated distance of 37 million light years.

Feb 27, 2017 · This NASA Hubble Space Telescope image provides a strikingly detailed view of the Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51 and as NGC 5194. The image illustrates a spiral galaxy's grand design, from its curving spiral arms, where young stars reside, to its yellowish central core, a home to older stars.