Sunday, July 18, 2010

Whirlpool Galaxy M51 NGC 5194


The Whirlpool Galaxy is in a close encounter with nearby galaxy NGC 5195. The companion's gravity is firing off star formation in the Whirlpool, as seen in the numerous clusters of massive, luminous young red stars in the spiral arms and dust clouds. Also known as M51 and NGC 5194, Whirlpool galaxy is 31 million lightyears from Earth.

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