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The Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as Messier 51, M51, or NGC 5194) is one of the brightest and most picturesque galaxies in the sky. It is is visible through binoculars on a dark night. Located within the constellation Canes Venatici, M51 is easy to find by following the easternmost star of the Big Dipper, Eta Ursae Majoris, and going 3.5° southeast. The very pronounced spiral structure of M51 is believed to be the result of the close interaction between M51 and its companion galaxy NGC5195, which can be seen in this picture behind and to the left of M51.
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