Whirlpool Galaxy Visible on Sunday, June 15: Witness the Swirling Spiral and Its Associate
Hittin' the Stars: Scope Out M51 and NGC 5195
Once the sun dips below the horizon at 8:31 PM, the night is all ours, and the constellation Canes Venatici rules the western sky, cozying up to the curving tail of Ursa Major, renowned for creating the Big Dipper's handle.
Nestled three and a half degrees southwest of Alkaid, the magnitude 1.9 star at the Big Dipper's tip, lies M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. This face-on spiral beauty showcases both its brilliant nucleus and swirling arms, making it an easy catch for even a small telescope (6 inches or larger). In smaller scopes, you'll see it as a glowing circle that grows brighter toward the center, while larger ones (6 inches or more) will reveal the individual spiral arms.
Situated just north of M51's glow is its companion galaxy, the relatively compact, dimmer NGC 5195, shining at magnitude 9.6. Astronomers speculate that from our perspective, NGC 5195 seems to be passing behind M51, leading to their ongoing intergalactic waltz that's been going on for hundreds of millions of years. This interaction has beefed up the Whirlpool's spiral structure, giving it the striking appearance we see in our sky.
Sunrise: 5:31 A.M.Sunset: 8:31 P.M.Moonrise: -Moonset: 9:27 A.M.Moon Phase: Waning gibbous (81%)
Connoisseur's Guide to Peeping Galaxies
Galactic Terrain
- Constellation: Both M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy) and NGC 5195 call the constellation Canes Venatici their celestial home.
- Sky Show: They are optimally observed in the Northern Hemisphere during spring and early summer, when Canes Venatici is high and mighty in the sky.
Spotlight on Stellar Features
- M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy):
- Galactic Type: Grand-design spiral galaxy, defined by distinct, well-defined spiral arms.
- Distinctive Look: Standout due to gravitational interaction with NGC 5195, creating prominent star-forming regions and dust lanes.
- NGC 5195:
- Galactic Type: Somewhere between a dwarf irregular and lenticular (elliptical) galaxy.
- Distinguishing Marks: Often appears distorted due to gravitational interaction, typically appearing as a distorted elliptical shape.
Stargazing Tips
- Telescope Size: Size matters. Opt for a telescope with a diameter of at least 4 inches for a clear view of M51 and NGC 5195.
- Magnification: Low to medium magnification (about 50x to 100x) will help capture the entire galaxy pair in the field of view.
- Sky Conditions:Find a dark sky with minimal light pollution for optimal visibility.
- Timing: Observe before the Moon rises or after it sets to reduce glare.
- Map reading: Use a star chart or app to locate the galaxies within the constellation Canes Venatici.
Astro Bonus Tips
- Sky Maps and Apps: Apps like SkySafari or Stellarium Mobile can help you locate M51 and NGC 5195 with ease.
- Astrophotography: Capture the stunning structure of these galaxies with long exposure times.
By following these tips, you're guaranteed an unforgettable intergalactic excursion. Happy stargazing!
- In the celestial home of M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy) and NGC 5195, the constellation Canes Venatici reigns high in the Northern Hemisphere during spring and early summer.
- M51, a grand-design spiral galaxy, is distinct with well-defined spiral arms, making it standout, particularly due to its gravitational interaction with NGC 5195.
- NGC 5195, though relatively compact and dimmer, is characterized as a galaxy between a dwarf irregular and lenticular (elliptical) type. It often appears distorted due to gravitational interaction, with a typical elliptical shape.
- To clearly view M51 and NGC 5195, use a telescope with a diameter of at least 4 inches and a low to medium magnification of about 50x to 100x. Find a dark sky with minimal light pollution and observe before the Moon rises or after it sets for optimal visibility. A star chart or app can help locate the galaxies within constellation Canes Venatici.
