What is the Whirlpool galaxy?
Q: What is the Whirlpool galaxy?
A: The Whirlpool galaxy is a large galaxy with well-defined spiral arms and a smaller companion galaxy.
Q: What are some of its other names or classifications?
A: It is also known as Messier 51a, M51a, or NGC 5194.
Q: What sets the Whirlpool galaxy apart from other galaxies?
A: The Whirlpool was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy, and its spiral arms are so impressive and well-defined that it is called a "grand design" spiral galaxy.
Q: How far away is the Whirlpool galaxy from the Milky Way?
A: Different methods put its distance as between 15 to 35 million light-years. Recently it was estimated to be 23 ± 4 million light-years from the Milky Way.
Q: Are there any interesting features of the Whirlpool galaxy's nucleus?
A: It has an active galactic nucleus, no doubt fuelled by a massive black hole.
Q: Can amateur astronomers see the Whirlpool galaxy?
A: Yes, the galaxy and its companion, NGC 5195, are easily seen by amateur astronomers, in the constellation Canes Venatici. The two galaxies can be seen with binoculars.
Q: Why do professional astronomers study the Whirlpool galaxy?
A: They study its galaxy structure (particularly the spiral arms) and galaxy interactions.
