Galaxies · Canes Venatici
Whirlpool Galaxy
NGC 5194 · M51
Details
Magnitude
8.40
Angular size
11.2′ × 6.9′
Messier
M51
NGC
5194
What you can realistically expect
A face-on spiral galaxy interacting with a smaller companion.
IntermediateWhat is it?
The Whirlpool is one of the most photographed galaxies in the sky — a large spiral seen almost exactly face-on, with a smaller companion galaxy (NGC 5195) at the tip of one of its arms.
What will I see?
Small telescope
Two faint round glows next to each other — the two galactic cores. Spiral structure is not visible in small apertures.
Medium telescope
Under dark skies, hints of the spiral arms may become visible around the main galaxy.
Astrophotography
PhotographyLong exposures reveal the full spiral structure and the bridge of stars connecting the two galaxies.
Reference imagery from long-exposure photography usually shows far more colour and structure than the human eye can see through a telescope.
Reference image
Processed image
NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI) and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) · NASA Science / Hubble Messier catalog
Long-exposure or processed astronomy images can show much more colour and structure than you may see through an eyepiece.
Observing tips
- Dark skies matter greatly. From city skies you may see only the two cores as faint glows.
- Located near the last star of the Big Dipper's handle.
Interesting facts
- About 31 million light-years away.
- The companion galaxy has passed close by, distorting the Whirlpool's shape.