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Credit & Copyright: 1.1 Meter Hall Telescope,
Lowell Observatory,
Bill Keel
(U. Alabama)
Explanation:
The
Whirlpool Galaxy
is frequently given as an example of a galaxy with classic
spiral design. At only 15 million light years
distant,
M51, also cataloged as NGC 5194,
is also one of the brighter and more picturesque galaxies on the sky. The
smaller galaxy appearing here above and to the right is also well behind
M51, as can be inferred by the
dust in M51's spiral arm blocking light
from this smaller galaxy. Astronomers speculate that M51's spiral structure is
primarily due to it's
gravitational interaction with this smaller galaxy.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: M 51 - Whirlpool galaxy
Publications with words: M 51 - Whirlpool galaxy
See also: