Bring the cosmos home with this Whirlpool Galaxy Poster by Swell Scenes. Featuring NASA's iconic Hubble Space Telescope image of M51—nicknamed the "Two-Faced" galaxy for its visible light and infrared views revealing both brilliant star-forming regions and hidden dust lanes—this stunning deep space photograph captures one of astronomy's most beautiful spiral galaxies. Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, space lovers, science educators, planetarium visitors, and anyone fascinated by the universe's grandeur captured 31 million light-years away.
Why You'll Love It
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Official NASA Hubble Image: Features authentic 2011 Hubble Space Telescope photography of M51, one of the most photographed and studied spiral galaxies, showcasing spectacular cosmic detail and color.
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Iconic Spiral Galaxy: Captures the Whirlpool Galaxy's graceful spiral arms, brilliant pink star-forming nebulae, blue star clusters, and interacting companion galaxy NGC 5195 in stunning high-resolution clarity.
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Perfect Space Gift: Ideal for astronomy enthusiasts, NASA fans, science teachers, stargazers, space-loving kids, planetarium visitors, or anyone who dreams of exploring the universe's mysteries.
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Museum-Quality Space Art: Brings professional-grade astrophotography into modern homes—perfect for offices, living rooms, classrooms, or any space celebrating science, discovery, and cosmic wonder.
About the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and Hubble's Image
The Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51, M51, NGC 5194), located 31 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, stands as one of the universe's most stunning and scientifically significant spiral galaxies. Discovered in 1773 by Charles Messier, M51 earned its "Whirlpool" nickname from its perfect face-on orientation toward Earth, allowing astronomers and sky watchers to view its spiral structure in breathtaking detail. This grand design spiral galaxy spans approximately 76,000 light-years across—similar to our own Milky Way—with prominent spiral arms outlined by pink hydrogen clouds where new stars are born at incredible rates. The galaxy's companion, the smaller irregular galaxy NGC 5195, gravitationally interacts with M51, creating tidal forces that compress gas clouds and trigger intense star formation visible as brilliant pink nebulae throughout the spiral arms. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured the spectacular "Two-Faced" composite image in 2011, combining visible light observations (showing the traditional appearance with blue star clusters, pink nebulae, and bright yellow core) with near-infrared observations (revealing dark dust lanes and filaments that trace the spiral structure's skeleton). This dual view earned the "Two-Faced" nickname by showing M51's visible beauty alongside its hidden dusty infrastructure. The Whirlpool Galaxy holds special significance in astronomical history—in 1845, Lord Rosse first observed its spiral structure through his massive telescope in Ireland, making M51 the first spiral galaxy ever recognized. Amateur astronomers love M51 because it's visible through backyard telescopes during spring in the Northern Hemisphere, located near the Big Dipper's handle, making it a favorite target for astrophotographers worldwide. Professional astronomers study M51 intensively to understand spiral galaxy formation, star birth in spiral arms, galactic interactions and mergers, supermassive black holes (M51 hosts one 1 million times the sun's mass), and how gravity shapes galactic structures. The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990 and still operating, has revolutionized astronomy by capturing images like this one—free from Earth's atmospheric distortion, Hubble reveals cosmic details impossible to see from ground-based observatories. M51's stunning appearance has made it one of astronomy's most iconic images, featured in countless textbooks, planetarium shows, documentaries (like Cosmos), and NASA's popular image galleries. Whether you're an amateur astronomer who's observed M51 through your telescope, a science educator teaching about galaxies and cosmic evolution, a space enthusiast inspired by Hubble's discoveries, a parent fostering children's curiosity about the universe, or simply someone awed by the beauty captured 31 million light-years away, the Whirlpool Galaxy represents both scientific achievement and artistic wonder. This poster celebrates NASA's Hubble Space Telescope legacy and the spectacular cosmic beauty that reminds us of our place in the vast universe.
Print & Frame Details
- Premium 189gsm matte paper using archival pigment inks
- Framed options include a 0.75″ (1.9 cm) Ayous wood frame in black, white, or natural
- Lightweight Acrylite front protector and hanging hardware included
- Available in multiple sizes, framed or unframed
- Printed to order to reduce waste and support sustainable practices
Thoughtful Craftsmanship
At Swell Scenes, every print is made to order with museum-quality materials. Our NASA space series celebrates Hubble's greatest discoveries and the cosmic wonders that inspire humanity — made for stargazers, science lovers, and anyone who looks up in wonder.
About Swell Scenes
Swell Scenes turns NASA's universe into bold, beautiful artwork that fits any space. With a passion for space exploration, Hubble discoveries, and the astronomy that expands our understanding of the cosmos, our posters bring the wonders of deep space into your home.
