The Whirlpool Galaxy is a splendid flat-on view spiral galaxy with a smaller sister galaxy seeming to emanate from it. It’s best viewed in telescopes of 150mm aperture or more. To view the spiral arms, you’re going to need a telescope of twice the light gathering power if not more! Easily located though just below the end star of the handle of the Plough. See below…
![How to find the Whirlpool Galaxy](https://www.mattastro.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/m51-300x239.jpg)
An image of the Whirlpool Galaxy can be seen in the Galaxies section of the Gallery