Spiral galaxy M51 (Whirlpool) interacting with its smaller companion NGC 5195.

M51 · Galaxy

Whirlpool Galaxy

Two galaxies dancing around the question of whether they'll merge.

Capture details
II

Colophon

III

Field notes

Placeholder imagery

NASA / GSFC (placeholder) · Owner's capture forthcoming.

Captured April 12, 2025 from Backyard Observatory, Michigan