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Back The Heart of the Whirlpool Galaxy

The Heart of the Whirlpool Galaxy


Depicts: M 51, IRAS 13277+4727, NGC 5194, The Whirlpool Galaxy
Copyright: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

The Whirlpool galaxy, M51, has been one of the most photogenic galaxies in amateur and professional astronomy. Easily photographed and viewed by smaller telescopes, this celestial beauty is studied extensively in a range of wavelengths by large ground- and space-based observatories. This Hubble composite image shows visible starlight as well as light from the emission of glowing hydrogen, which is associated with the most luminous young stars in the spiral arms.
Last Update: 1 September 2019
14-Mar-2026 02:16 UT

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