Whirlpool Galaxy: A spiral galaxy 31 million light years from Earth.
Caption: A composite image of M51, also known as the
Whirlpool Galaxy, shows a majestic spiral galaxy.
Chandra finds point-like X-ray sources (purple)
that are black holes and neutron stars in binary
star systems, along with a diffuse glow of hot
gas. Data from Hubble (green) and Spitzer (red)
both highlight long lanes of stars and gas laced
with dust. A view of M51 with GALEX shows
hot, young stars that produce lots of ultraviolet
energy (blue).
Scale: Image is 2.2 by 3.2 arcmin.
Chandra X-ray Observatory ACIS Image
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