This Beautiful Grand Design galaxy is found near the handle of the Big Dipper in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered in 1773 by Charles Messier and included in the Messier catalog with M51 as its identifier. In 1781 Pierre Mechain discovered its companion galaxy, NGC 5195. But it wasn't until 1845 that William Parsons found that M51 contained a spiral structure. Now M51 has become one of the most photographed galaxies. Its spiral structure and hydrogen alpha areas work together to make this one of the most beautiful garnishes in the observable heavens.