Whirlpool Galaxy

Pete

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The Whirlpool Galaxy (aka M51 or NGC 5194) is a spiral galaxy 23 +/- 4 million light years from Earth. Its centre is an area of enhanced star formation. It lies close to its companion galaxy NGC 5195 which lies at the end of the spiral. It is thought that the presence of this second galaxy likely to have influenced the pronounced spiral structure of the Whirlpool galaxy.

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Published by Pete

I am semi-retired after a career in medical sciences. I now work from home doing independent research and consultancy amongst other things. One advantage of this is that I do have time to indulge my interests including birdwatching, natural history, steam trains and history particularly ancient history.

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  1. Pingback: Whirlpool Galaxy | Pete's Favourite Things

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