NGC 5055, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located approximately 23 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is notable for its well-defined spiral arms and bright core, making it a popular target for both amateur and professional astronomers. Discovered by William Herschel in 1789, NGC 5055 is part of the Messier catalog and is often studied for its star formation activity. The galaxy has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years and contains millions of stars, along with various nebulae and star clusters, contributing to its striking appearance.