NGC 5195: The Dot under the Question Mark
Explanation:
Dwarf galaxy
NGC 5195 is best known as the smaller
companion of spiral M51,
the Whirlpool
galaxy.
Seen together they seem to trace the curve and dot of a
cosmic
question mark, recorded in Lord Rosse's 19th century drawings
as one of the original spiral nebulae.
Dwarfed by enormous M51 (aka NGC 5194), NGC 5195 spans
about 20,000 light-years.
A
close
encounter with M51 has likely triggered star formation
and enhanced that galaxy's prominent spiral arms.
Processed from image data available in the Hubble Legacy Archive,
this majestic close-up of NGC 5195 makes it clear that the dwarf galaxy
now
lies behind M51.
A
tidal
bridge of dark dust clouds and young blue star clusters
stretches from
the outskirts of M51 on the right,
appearing in silhouette against the dwarf galaxy's yellowish glow.
The famous pair of interacting galaxies lie some 30 million
light-years away,
toward the handle
of the Big Dipper, and the constellation of the Hunting Dogs.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
