This Hubble Space Telescope image shows the stellar fireworks seen in the core of the Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51. The back of this image describes the history of how astronomers have viewed this galaxy over the last 150 years. It also shows the location of specific features in M51, and provides a ground-based telescope image that shows M51 with its companion galaxy. The gravitational interaction between M51 and its companion is responsible for much of M51's new star birth. Educational levels: Middle school, High school
