M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy

Captured over 18.5 hours, revealing faint detail, especially in the Ha wavelength.

Distance From Earth: 23 Million Light Years
Diameter: 75,000-80,000 Light Years
Total Exposure Time: 18.5 Hours

The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) is a classic grand-design spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. It spans roughly 75,000–80,000 light-years in diameter and is famous for its well-defined spiral arms, which are rich in dust lanes and active star-forming regions. M51 is gravitationally interacting with its smaller companion galaxy, a process that compresses gas and enhances star formation.

Printed to order and shipped directly to you. Typical delivery is 7–14 days.