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The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) is classified as a “grand design” spiral, with well-defined arms that sweep around most of the system. Along
the arms are pink star-forming regions where bright blue clusters of new stars ionize the gas surrounding them, causing them to glow. The
yellowish core of this galaxy is home to older stars, as is NGC 5195, the small companion galaxy to the right and slightly behind M51. The
Whirlpool Galaxy is found near the Big Dipper in the lesser-known constellation Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs. It is estimated to be 23
million light-years away.
