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Whirlpool Galaxy

This image of the Whirlpool galaxy shows the classic features of a spiral galaxy: curving outer arms where newborn stars reside and a yellowish central core, home to older stars. A companion galaxy called NGC 5195, seen here at the tip of one of Whirlpool's arms (right), has been passing by for hundreds of millions of years and exerting gravitational forces on its larger neighbor.

Photograph courtesy NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI), and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)