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Today in History: Charles Messier discovers the Whirlpool Galaxy
10/13/2025
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Story summary
- On October 13, 1773, French astronomer Charles Messier discovered the Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a. This grand design spiral galaxy, located 31 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, is notable for its prominent spiral arms and active galactic nucleus, marking a significant advancement in astronomical classification.
