The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
R/B-band color composite image from the Second Digitized Sky Survey (DSS2), measuring 11 arcminutes across.
Finder chart
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From Cambridge , the Whirlpool Galaxy is visible in the morning sky, becoming accessible around 19:22, when it reaches an altitude of 21° above your north-eastern horizon. It will then reach its highest point in the sky at 02:18, 85° above your northern horizon. It will be lost to dawn twilight around 05:03, 60° above your north-western horizon.
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Name
The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
|
Object type
Galaxy
|
Position
| Right ascension: | 13h29m [1] |
| Declination: | +47°11' [1] |
| Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
| Magnitude: | 8.40 (V) [1] 9.00 (B) [1] |
| Angular dimensions: | 11.0 arcmin |
| Distance: | 11.3 Mpc 37.0 Mlyr [1] |
Derived quantities
| Absolute mag (V): | -21.87 |
Source
Visibility from Cambridge
All times shown in Cambridge local time.
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 |