What is object M101 known as?
This stunning view of M101, also known as the Pinwheel galaxy, is one of the largest images Hubble has ever captured of a spiral galaxy. Assembled from 51 exposures taken during various studies over nearly ten years, this infrared and visible-light image measures 16,000 by 12,000 pixels.
Where can I find M101?
The Pinwheel Galaxy is located in the famous Ursa Major constellation and is very easy to spot in the night sky. You can find it just above the double stars Alcor and Mizar, which form the handle of the big dipper. Due to its low surface brightness, you will not be able to spot M101 with the naked eye.
Is there life in the Pinwheel Galaxy?
Another beautiful image from the Spitzer Space Telescope; in this case, it’s Messier 101, more commonly known as the Pinwheel Galaxy. But the pretty red highlights at the edges of the galaxy are bad news for anyone looking for evidence of life.
How was M101 formed?
M101, the Northern Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major, is thought to have undergone tidal interaction with the dwarf galaxy NGC 5477, which lies off the right edge of this image. This triggered formation of multiple bright star-forming emission nebulae known as HII regions, which you can observe through your telescope.
Can you see M101 with binoculars?
It can be easily found with binoculars and is an impressive sight in a 4-inch telescope at medium magnification.
How far away is M101?
20.87 million light yearsPinwheel Galaxy / Distance to Earth
What is the classification of M101?
M101 Data Table
| Messier | 101 |
|---|---|
| NGC | 5457 |
| Name | Pinwheel Galaxy |
| Object Type | Spiral galaxy |
| Classification | SAB (rs) cd |
Is M101 moving away from our galaxy?
The Pinwheel Galaxy (also known as Messier 101, M101 or NGC 5457) is a face-on spiral galaxy 21 million light-years (6.4 megaparsecs) away from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.
How old is M101?
M101 has an apparent visual magnitude of 7.86 and is approximately 20.9 million light years distant from Earth, which means that we are seeing it as it was about 20.9 million years ago. The Pinwheel Galaxy contains hundreds of billions of stars and is notable for its many large, bright star forming regions.
Is M101 an Sc galaxy?
The Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as Messier 101 (M101) and NGC 5457, is one of the best known spiral galaxies in the night sky. M101 is a grand design spiral galaxy (a spiral galaxy with prominent and well-defined spiral arms) located in the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear.