The composite image includes data from both X-ray and Optical light. It features the entirety of the M51 galaxy, which indeed resembles a swirling whirlpool in a black sea, viewed from above.

Messier 51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)

Video Tour of Messier 51

Like our own Milky Way, Messier 51 (the Whirlpool Galaxy) showcases magnificent spiral arms that serve as stellar nurseries, where compressed hydrogen gas transforms into brilliant new star clusters along its grand cosmic staircase structure.

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