M51 Whirlpool Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy also known as M51 was discovered by Charles Messier in 1773. The galaxy is located 31 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici. Astronomers believe the arms of this galaxy are prominent due to the gravitational effects of a close encounter with NGC 5195 which is the small yellowish galaxy next to it.

Constellation Canes Venatici

Distance about 25 million light-years from Earth