This NASA image obtained shows the 51st entry in Charles Messier's catalogue, perhaps the original spiral nebula, also catalogued as NGC 5194. Over 60,000 light-years across, M51's spiral arms and dust lanes clearly sweep in front of its companion galaxy, NGC 5195. Image data from the Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys was reprocessed, which sharpened details and enhanced colour and contrast in otherwise faint areas, bringing out dust lanes and extended streams that cross the small companion, along with features in the surroundings and core of M51 itself

Credit : MARK HANCOX / NEWSTEAm