This image is of two galaxies, M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy and NGC 5195 companion interacting in a grand-design spiral galaxy. In this dance the larger galaxy will slowly absorb the smaller one every time is passes through. This cosmic snack is not unique, as our own milky way has grown in a similar way. The "Milkyway" galaxies next date for dinner will be with Andromeda in the next billion years. M51 is estimated to be 23 million light-years from the Milky Way Galaxy. The induced spiral structure in the larger galaxy M51 is not the only effect of the interaction. Significant compression of hydrogen gas occurs that leads to the development of starbirth regions. In my picture of M51 these show up as the bright blue 'knots' throughout the spiral arms. Until recently, it was not known with certainty whether the companion galaxy was a true companion, or another galaxy passing at a distance. With the advent of radio astronomy and subsequent radio images of M51 unequivocally d...