X structure at core of M51 whirlpool galaxy
(four-frame comparison)
Hubble Space Telescope provides a detailed look at the core of the giant spiral galaxy M51. These images, taken at different wavelengths of light, reveal complex structure and detail in the galaxy's core, which is thought to hide a massive black hole.
Credit:About the Image
About the Object
| Name: | IRAS 13277+4727, M 51, Messier 51, NGC 5194, Whirlpool Galaxy |
|---|---|
| Type: | Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral Local Universe : Galaxy : Size : Giant |
| Distance: | 25 million light years |
| Category: | Galaxies |
Colours & filters
| Band | Telescope |
|---|---|
| Optical |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC1 |
| Optical OIII |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC1 |
| Optical HII |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC1 |
Notes: The top left image was captured by the ground-based Kitt Peak 4-metre telescope. The other three images were captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.