Glass Eye Studio - Celestial Whirlpool Galaxy

The Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy!

A stunning paperweight and/or decorative piece of art, The Celestial Whirlpool Galaxy Paperweight is part of the Celestial Planet Collection.  It makes a wonderful gift for both personal and corporate occasions, or it can be the perfect addition to your own Glass Eye Studio Collection.  



What later became known as the Whirlpool Galaxy was discovered on October 13, 1773 by Charles Messier. The very pronounced spiral structure of the Whirlpool Galaxy is believed to be the result of the close interaction between it and its companion galaxy, M51, specifically, its passing through the main disk of M51 about 500 to 600 million years ago. The Whirlpool Galaxy is a classic spiral galaxy. At only 30 million light years distant and fully 60 thousand light years across, is one of the brightest and most picturesque galaxies on the sky. Sky watchers recorded three supernovas in 17 years which is a lot for a single galaxy.  Whirlpool Galaxy called one of "astronomy's galactic darlings."

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