The Whirlpool Galaxy, M51, NGC 5194, acrylic on panel, 16 x 20. $725.00.

This painting is a close-up of the Whirlpool, as if we were floating over it. About 100,000 light-years across, the Whirlpool lies about 30 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. The Whirlpool is quite near another, smaller galaxy not seen here (NGC 5195; it would be to the left if it were in the painting). As that cosmic neighbor slides by, its gravity tugs hard at the Whirlpool's spiral arms, promoting star formation. The darker areas are gas and dust; the brightest areas are hot young blue-white stars, and the reddish areas are older star forming regions. The Whirlpool is visible through binoculars, although it takes at least an 8-inch telescope and excellent conditions to start to see the spiral form. Look about 3.5 degrees southwest of the end star of the Big Dipper's handle. (The width of an average-sized little fingertip, with the arm fully outstretched, is about one degree. The three middle fingertips held together are 5 degrees.)