Galaxy Origins
The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
In Canes Venatici. A face-on spiral with two sweeping arms, one reaching toward its small companion NGC 5195. It was the first galaxy whose spiral shape was recognised, in drawings made by Lord Rosse in 1845. See the Whirlpool.
The Sombrero Galaxy (M104)
In Virgo. Seen nearly edge-on, a brilliant bulge crossed by a straight dark lane of dust, like the brim of a hat. See the Sombrero.
The Black Eye Galaxy (M64)
In Coma Berenices. A band of dark dust in front of its bright nucleus gives it its name. Its outer gas turns in the opposite direction to its inner stars, a trace of an old merger. See the Black Eye.
The Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565)
In Coma Berenices. One of the most perfectly edge-on spirals in the sky: a razor-thin disc split by a dust lane, with a small bulge rising above it. See the Needle.
The Southern Pinwheel (M83)
In Hydra. A barred spiral seen face-on, rich in star formation; several supernovae have been recorded in it. See M83.
The Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038/4039)
In Corvus. Two galaxies in collision, their long tidal tails curving away like an insect's antennae. See the Antennae.
More
The Phantom (M74), the Sunflower (M63), the Cat's Eye (M94), the Whale (NGC 4631), the Hamburger (NGC 3628), the Tadpole and Stephan's Quintet are in the Collection, each offered once as a framed print.