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Where is the Whirlpool Galaxy located?
Quick Answer
It is in the constellation Canes Venatici, about 23 million light-years away. It is interacting with a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195.
The Full Story
The Whirlpool Galaxy is located in the constellation Canes Venatici and lies about 23 million light-years from Earth. It is one of the clearest examples of a grand-design spiral galaxy. Its companion, NGC 5195, is visibly interacting with it and may be helping trigger spiral structure and star formation. The galaxy is cataloged as Messier 51 and has long been a favorite subject for astronomy imaging.
Key Facts
1.About 23 million light-years away
2.Cataloged as Messier 51
3.Interacting with NGC 5195
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"A cosmic whirlpool where galaxies are tugging at each other."
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