Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) – Interacting Spiral Galaxy and Companion

Captured with the Dwarf Lab Mini, this image showcases the magnificent Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and its companion galaxy NGC 5195. Built from 782 stacked exposures of 15 seconds each, the photograph reveals M51's luminous core, delicate spiral arms, and the gravitational interaction that has shaped one of the most recognizable galaxies in the night sky. Located approximately 31 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici, the Whirlpool Galaxy is a classic grand-design spiral galaxy, where ongoing star formation illuminates its sweeping arms. This cosmic pairing offers a remarkable glimpse into the dynamic processes that influence the evolution of galaxies across the universe.
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