The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), located 31 million light-years away in Canes Venatici, is a stunning spiral galaxy interacting with its smaller companion, NGC 5195. Its graceful, well-defined arms are rich in young, bright blue stars, star-forming regions, and dark dust lanes. This cosmic dance, shaped by tidal forces, fuels intense stellar formation. M51 is one of the most famous galaxies in the night sky, offering a breathtaking view of galactic interaction and evolution.