Get to know Whirlpool Galaxy
An interacting spiral galaxy, catalogued as M51. A dark sky and suitable equipment can reveal structure that is difficult to see under city lighting. Space-telescope images combine long exposures and processing; the eyepiece view is different. Precise coordinates have not been added to this curated entry, so it is excluded from computed sky positions.
- Observing guide
- Dark skies / binoculars or telescope