{"product_id":"the-whirlpool-galaxy-messier-51-hubble-space-telescope-image","title":"The Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51) – Hubble Space Telescope Image","description":"\u003cp\u003eMessier 51, the Whirlpool Galaxy, opens across this Hubble view as an intricate spiral of light 25 million light years from Earth. Its brilliant white centre anchors the composition, while broad arms curve outwards through soft blue, crimson and muted grey. Dark channels between them sharpen the pattern, giving the galaxy an unusually clear, almost engraved structure against the blackness of space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Whirlpool occupies most of the frame, yet the smaller diffuse form at the upper right creates an essential counterweight. Its subdued yellow-brown light contrasts with the brighter, more finely articulated spiral, turning the surrounding darkness into an active part of the composition. Classified as a spiral galaxy and lying in the constellation Canes Venatici, Messier 51 is presented here with enough clarity to reveal not only its grand geometry, but also the restless-looking detail contained within each arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNear the centre, the glow is dense and nearly white, encircled by delicate wisps and tightly folded bands. Moving outwards, the arms become more varied: pale blue regions are traced by narrow crimson threads, while bright points and small knots appear embedded along their curves. The strongest passages resemble luminous ridges, repeatedly interrupted by dark lanes that expose the depth and complexity of the spiral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlong the left side, fine red filaments follow the sweep of the outer structure before fading into cooler blue. Lower in the frame, scattered clusters of light form a loose fringe around the galaxy, while faint mottling persists at the limits of visibility. The smaller form at upper right is quieter and more diffuse, with alternating patches of light and shadow rather than the Whirlpool’s sharply defined arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt large scale, these changes in texture become especially compelling. Tiny points emerge from apparently smooth colour; narrow arcs separate from broader bands; and the darkness between the arms resolves into an intricate network of spaces rather than an empty background. The image moves continuously between two scales of vision: the immediately recognisable spiral and the multitude of fine structures from which that spiral is made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImage details and provenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Messier 51, Whirlpool Galaxy\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eObject type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spiral galaxy\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstellation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Canes Venatici\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistance from Earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 million light years\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTelescope:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hubble Space Telescope\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal release date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 April 2005, 06:00\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImage credit:\u003c\/strong\u003e NASA , ESA , S. Beckwith ( STScI ), and The Hubble Heritage Team ( STScI \/ AURA )\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right size and finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFine art can feel intimate at smaller sizes and more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to judge the scale of the piece in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor exact dimensions, specialist framing or a larger project, \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop for advice\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee examples of personalised artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Original for colour that remains faithful to the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer antique character. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/sepia-aged-maps\"\u003eSee examples of our Aged artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or canvas using the finish options above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFramed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, reduced reflections and safer delivery. They arrive professionally framed and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available; \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e if the exact option you need is not listed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":58838873342336,"sku":null,"price":361.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":58838873375104,"sku":null,"price":971.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":58838873407872,"sku":null,"price":1017.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":58838873440640,"sku":null,"price":361.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed art 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