Whirlpool Galaxy Collection

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51, NGC 5194), visible light image. The Whirlpool galaxy is locked in a gravitational interaction with the smaller irregular galaxy NGC 5195 (left of M51)

The whirlpool galaxy (M51) and companion galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC 5194), and its companion galaxy (NGC 5195), in the constellation Canes Venatici

The Whirlpool Galaxy and its companion galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC 5194), and its companion galaxy (NGC 5195), in the constellation Canes Venatici

Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici. Creator: NASA
Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici. The Whirlpool Galaxy, (Messier 51a), in the constellation Canes Venatici, was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy

Spiral galaxy (M 51) in Canes Venatici, 1910. Photograph taken at Mount Wilson Observatory, California, USA. Known as the Whirlpool Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) And Companion Galaxy

Whirlpool Galaxy, infrared HST image
Whirlpool Galaxy. Near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope (HST) image of the centre of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) showing its skeletal dust structure

The Whirlpool Galaxy and its companion galaxy NGC 5195
The Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC 5194), and its companion galaxy (NGC 5195), in the constellation Canes Venatici

The Whirlpool Galaxy (NGC 5194), and its companion galaxy (NGC 5195), in the constellation Canes Venatici

Messier 51, the Whirlpool Galaxy

M51, also known as NGC 5194, is having a close encounter with a nearby companion galaxy, NGC 5195, just off the upper edge of this image

Leviathan of Birr, Ireland
Leviathan of Birr. This 6-foot telescope, at Birr Castle, Parsonstown, Ireland, was constructed in 1845 by the Irish astronomer William Parsons (1800-1867), the 3rd Earl of Rosse

Whirlpool Galaxy, 19th century
Whirlpool Galaxy. 19th-century astronomical observation of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51a, NGC 5194) and its smaller companion galaxy (NGC 5195, M51b). North is at top

Leviathan of Birr, Ireland, 19th century
Leviathan of Birr. 19th-century artwork of the 6-foot telescope erected in 1845 at Birr Castle, Parsonstown, Ireland, by the Irish astronomer William Parsons (1800-1867), 3rd Earl of Rosse

Lord Rosses Great Telescope
This is the 6-foot telescope (the Leviathan of Birr), at Birr Castle, Parsonstown, Ireland. This telescope was constructed in 1845 by the Irish astronomer William Parsons (1800-1867)

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The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51, is a stunning spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. This celestial beauty captivates astronomers and stargazers alike with its mesmerizing whirlpool-like appearance. Its graceful spiral arms are adorned with countless stars, dust lanes, and vibrant clusters of gas. Accompanying the Whirlpool Galaxy is its faithful companion galaxy, NGC 5195. Together, they create a breathtaking cosmic duo that has fascinated scientists for centuries. The gravitational interaction between these two galaxies has resulted in unique features such as bridges of gas connecting them. First observed in 1910 by astronomers using telescopes based on Earth's surface, this galactic wonder continues to amaze us even today. Thanks to NASA's advanced technology and space exploration efforts, we have been able to capture incredible images of the Whirlpool Galaxy from different perspectives. One such image showcases the Whirlpool Galaxy's ethereal beauty in infrared light captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This view reveals hidden details within the galaxy that would otherwise remain unseen. As we gaze upon this celestial masterpiece, let us marvel at the vastness of our universe and appreciate the wonders it holds. The Whirlpool Galaxy serves as a reminder of our place among billions of galaxies scattered across space and time – an awe-inspiring testament to nature's creativity and grandeur.