![]() In 2005 a supernova (SN 2005cs) was observed in the Whirlpool Galaxy, peaking at apparent magnitude 14. Sometimes M51 is used to refer to the pair of galaxies, in which case the individual galaxies may be referred to as M51A (NGC 5194) and M51B (NGC 5195). This was achieved by Lord Rosse employing a 72-inch (~1.83 m) reflecting telescopewhich he constructed at Birr Castle, Ireland. It was however not until 1845 that the Whirlpool became the first to be recognized as a spiral. Its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, was discovered in 1781 by Pierre Méchain. ![]() ![]() What was later known as the Whirlpool Galaxy was discovered on Octoby Charles Messier, and is designated as M51. The Whirlpool Galaxy is also a popular target for professional astronomers, who study it to further understand galaxy structure (particularly structure associated with the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions. The galaxy and its companion (NGC 5195) are easily observed by amateur astronomers, and the two galaxies may even be seen with binoculars. Messier 51 is one of the best known galaxies in the sky. Recently it was estimated to be 23 ± 4 million light-years from the Milky Way Galaxy, but different methods yield distances between 15 and 35 million ly. The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194) is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |