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 San Diego , the Whirlpool Galaxy will become visible around 19:39 (PDT), 26° above your north-western horizon, as dusk fades to darkness. It will then sink towards the horizon, setting at 23:01.
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|
Name
The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
|
Object type
Galaxy
|
Position
| Constellation: | Canes Venatici |
| Magnitude: | 8.40 (V) [2] 9.00 (B) [1] |
| Right ascension: | 13h29m [1] |
| Declination: | +47°11' [1] |
| Distance: | 11.3 Mpc 37.0 Mlyr [1] |
Derived quantities
| Absolute mag (V): | -21.87 |
Visibility from San Diego
All times shown in San Diego local time.
Events
| 14 Apr 2023 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2024 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2025 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2026 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2027 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2028 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2029 | – M51 is well placed |
| 14 Apr 2030 | – M51 is well placed |