The Whirlpool Galaxy is a dazzling island universe you can explore from your backyard. | Published: May 12, 2026 M51 is one of the best examples of an interacting galaxy, pictured here with its companion NGC 5195. Credit: Salvo Lauricella This week, Astronomy magazine Editor Emeritus Dave Eicher invites you to explore the Whirlpool Galaxy, cataloged as M51. It lies in Canes Venatici near the Big Dipper asterism along with its companion galaxy, NGC 5195. How to find the Whirlpool Galaxy — video transcript Hi, I’m Dave Eicher, editor emeritus of Astronomy magazine. Welcome to This Week in Astronomy brought to you by Celestron, the world’s leading manufacturer of telescopes. You know, springtime is galaxy time in the evening sky, with constellations like Virgo and Coma Berenices riding high nicely visible, then one of the best galaxies that you can can see in binoculars or a small telescope in the northern sky lies in Canes Venatici. It’s the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51.…