By pointing a big telescope in its general direction.
The Whirlpool Galaxy (or M51), was discovered in 1774 by Charles Messier.
Yes. M51 (Messier 51) aka Whirlpool galaxy are the same thing.
1. Messier 31- Andromeda Galaxy 2. Messier 33- Triangulum Galaxy 3. Messier 51- Whirlpool Galaxy 4. Messier 101/102-Pinwheel Galaxy 5. Messier 81- Cigar Galaxy 6. Messier 82-Bodes Galaxy 7. Messier 107- Sombrerro Galaxy That' about it that I know.. I hoped it helped! :)
It is wildly believed that the Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51a) was discovered in 1845.However, it was actually discovered in 1773. It was only recognised as a spiral galaxy in 1845.
Andromeda is incorrect its The whirlpool Galaxy
Messier 87 is an elliptical galaxy.
Do you want the name of a specific one or just something that sounds more intellectual than "You know, those PINWHEEL shaped ones"? The correct terminology is spiral galaxy. As for an example, the Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy.
Simply Becca's it looks like a whirlpool. See related link for a pictorial.
Messier
Leo contains three spiral galaxies (Messier 96, Messier 95, Messier 66 and Messier 65) and one elliptical galaxy (Messier 105).
The Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101 or NGC 5457)
When you hear M100 regarding a galaxy, it is likely referring to the Messier 100 galaxy. It was discovered by Pierre MÌ©chain and entered into Messier's catalog of nebulae and star clusters, which is where it got its name.