M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy - Chuck Novice

Constellation: Hounds Type of object: Spiral galaxy Distance: 23 million light-years Magnitude: 8.4 Discovered in : October 13, 1773, by Charles Messier Fun Facts ! While M51a and M51b are currently engaged in a violent gravitational interaction, the smaller galaxy M51b (or NGC 5195) is undergoing tidal forces that are disrupting its shape and causing new stars to form. NGC 5195 also influences M51, leading to the formation of spiral arms, which is what makes this pair of galaxies so unique.