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The Whirlpool Galaxy, also referred to as Messier 51a (M51a), is a prominent spiral galaxy that is interacting with another galaxy and features a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. Located in the constellation Canes Venatici, it was the first galaxy to be recognized as a spiral type. The Whirlpool Galaxy is approximately 31 million light-years (or about 9.5 megaparsecs) away from us and has a diameter of around 23.58 kiloparsecs (about 76,900 light-years).

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Both the Whirlpool Galaxy and its companion, a dwarf galaxy, are easily visible to amateur astronomers, and with binoculars, you can spot both galaxies. Professional astronomers have studied the Whirlpool extensively, focusing on its structure, especially the spiral arms, as well as the interactions between the two galaxies. This pairing is among the most notable and relatively nearby interacting systems, making it a popular subject for models that explore galaxy interactions.

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Equipment: Seestar S30

Software: Seestar App

Date: 03/07/2025