M51

From South Dublin Astronomical Society

M51
Type	Spiral Galaxy
NGC	NGC 5194-5
Constellation	Canes Venatici
Right Ascension	13h 29.9m
Declination	+47° 12'
Magnitude	8.4
Size	11 x 7 arc min.
Image by Dave Grennan

Images of the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51, define the popular view of a far-flung starry spiral. Although a telescope is required to yield hints of its classical shape, along with the irregular companion NGC 5195, binoculars are sufficient to show it as a blur of light not far from the last star in the handle of the Plough. Larger glasses will show the main galaxy and it’s lesser attendant as two spots of light immersed in a general greyish glow. Take the time to really examine the view you see. As your skill as an observer increases you will begin to notice more subtle details. In what direction do you see M51 orientated? Does the blur of light you are seeing appear uniformly bright or does one part appear brighter than the other? M51 lies a little under four degrees southwest of Eta Ursae Majoris; you can star hop to 24 Canes Venaticorum from where you just need to go another 2° to the southwest to find the galaxy.