Whirlpool Galaxy

Jeffrey Mishlove took this photograph of the Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 52) with his 4″ refractor telescope. This galaxy is located 31 million light years away near the handle of the Big Dipper. It is approximately 80,000 light years in diameter. It was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. It is interacting gravitationally with the smaller companion galaxy (NGC 5195) that is situated somewhat behind it and to the right on this image. (jmishlove@newthinkingallowed.com)

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