The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)

R/B-band color composite image from the Second Digitized Sky Survey (DSS2), measuring 11 arcminutes across.

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From South El Monte , the Whirlpool Galaxy will become visible at around 21:14 (PDT), 61° above your north-western horizon, as dusk fades to darkness. It will then sink towards the horizon, setting at 04:10.

Name The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
Object type Galaxy
Part of Arp 85
Other names
The Whirlpool Galaxy
Lord Rosse's Nebula
The Question Mark
M51[1]
Position
Right ascension:13h29m [1]
Declination:+47°11' [1]
Constellation:Canes Venatici
Magnitude:8.40 (V) [1]
9.00 (B) [1]
Distance:11.3 Mpc
37.0 Mlyr [1]
Derived quantities
Absolute mag (V):-21.87
Events
14 Apr 2026  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2027  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2028  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2029  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2030  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2031  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2032  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed
14 Apr 2033  –  The Whirlpool Galaxy is well placed

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