Hubble ACS visible image of M51
This image by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope shows a face-on view of the spiral galaxy M51, dubbed the Whirlpool Galaxy.
Taken in visible light, it highlights the attributes of a typical spiral galaxy, including graceful, curving arms, pink star-forming regions, and brilliant blue strands of star clusters.
Credit:About the Image
About the Object
| Name: | Messier 51, Whirlpool Galaxy |
| Type: | Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral |
| Distance: | 25 million light years |
| Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
| Category: | Galaxies |
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 13 29 55.42 |
| Position (Dec): | 47° 11' 44.99" |
| Field of view: | 2.24 x 3.01 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 89.6° left of vertical |
View in ESASky:
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Optical B | 435 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |
| Optical V | 555 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |
| Optical H-alpha + Nii | 658 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |
| Infrared I | 814 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
ACS |