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This is the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51a & M51b). This lies under the end of the handle of the Big Dipper. The two galaxies are interacting. They are about 24.5 million light-years away. This image was made from 19h and 20m of exposure time... lazily taken over three years. #astrophotography

Kristopher Setnes

@kristopher.setnes.net

There are varying distance estimates. Here's a reference for the 24.5 Mly number. www.aanda.org/articles/aa/...

aanda.orgReeling in the Whirlpool galaxy: Distance to M 51 clarified through Cepheids and the type IIP supernova 2005cs | Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A)MendeleyAstronomy & Astrophysics (A&A) is an international journal which publishes papers on all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics

18/5/25, 4:38 pm0 reposts1 like

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