Spiral Galaxy M51 (MIRI) - section

Grand-design spiral galaxy M51, also known as NGC 5194, lies about 27 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici, and is trapped in a tumultuous relationship with its near neighbor, the dwarf galaxy NGC 5195. The gravitational influence of M51’s smaller companion is thought to be partially responsible for the stately nature of the galaxy’s prominent and distinct spiral arms. Unlike the menagerie of weird and wonderful spiral galaxies with ragged or disrupted arms, grand-design spiral galaxies such as this boast a prominent, well-developed spiral shape. Empty cavities and bright filaments alternate and give the impression of ripples propagating from the spiral arms, while yellow compact regions indicate the newly formed star clusters in the galaxy. An alternate, full-width, version is also available.