Whirlpool
spiral galaxy · Canes Venatici · 8.1ᵐ
The Whirlpool Galaxy — the first galaxy recognised as a spiral, by Lord Rosse in 1845. It is interacting with the smaller NGC 5195 at the tip of one arm.
Notable facts
About 1/3 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Whirlpool in?
Whirlpool lies in Canes Venatici.
Is Whirlpool visible to the naked eye?
8.1ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Whirlpool?
Best observed in April.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 13h 30m · +47° 12′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- How to observe
- 8.1ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 11×8′
- Designation
- M51 · NGC 5194/5 · Whirlpool
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 77° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 82° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 88° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 73° | 32° |
| 0° | 43° | 43° |
| −35° | 8° | 26° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 05:44 |
| February | 03:37 |
| March | 01:52 |
| April | 23:58 |
| May | 22:04 |
| June | 19:58 |
| July | 17:54 |
| August | 15:53 |
| September | 14:00 |
| October | 12:11 |
| November | 10:11 |
| December | 08:02 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.