Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici, with an apparent magnitude of 8.4. It is about 24.8 million light-years away.

Finder chart for the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) in the constellation Canes Venatici
the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) (circled) in Canes Venatici. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 51 (M51)
Typespiral galaxy
ConstellationCanes Venatici
Apparent magnitude8.4
Distanceabout 24.8 million light-years
Right ascension13 h 29.9 min
Declination+47.20°
Best monthMay (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find the Whirlpool Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy is in Canes Venatici. From 40° N it is highest in the north in May evenings, about 83° up. From 35° S it reaches about 8° in the north. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Canes Venatici constellation →

Other Messier objects in Canes Venatici

Messier 3 (M3)Sunflower Galaxy (M63)Messier 94 (M94)Messier 106 (M106)

The Messier catalog →

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