Exploratory Data Analysis Of The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) And NGC (5195)
Mehak Saini P. Basker
Dept. of Mathematics, University Institute of Science,
Chandigarh University, Punjab, INDIA. 

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Exploratory Data Analysis Of The 
Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) 
And NGC (5195)
Mehak Saini 
P. Basker
Dept. of Mathematics, University Institute of Science,
Chandigarh University, Punjab, INDIA

Abstract
This work explores the gravitational interactions between NGC (5195) and the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) by using Astropy for advanced image processing and exploratory data analysis (EDA) in the Python environment. The main goal of the study is to identify morphological alterations brought on by gravitational forces in the spiral arms of M51. Preprocessing for noise reduction, picture filtering, and Astropy for accurate data analysis are all part of the methodology. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of picture processing and offer insightful information on the gravitational dynamics forming both galaxies. Moreover, the work significantly advances our knowledge of how NGC (5195) affects the morphology of the Whirlpool Galaxy and advances the subject of galactic dynamics. The results of this study provide the groundwork for further studies in the field of extragalactic astronomy.. 

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Abstract
This work explores the gravitational interactions between NGC (5195) and the Whirlpool Galaxy 
(M51) by using Astropy for advanced image processing and exploratory data analysis (EDA) in the 
Python environment. The main goal of the study is to identify morphological alterations brought on 
by gravitational forces in the spiral arms of M51. Preprocessing for noise reduction, picture filtering, 
and Astropy for accurate data analysis are all part of the methodology. The outcomes demonstrate the 
effectiveness of picture processing and offer insightful information on the gravitational dynamics 
forming both galaxies. Moreover, the work significantly advances our knowledge of how NGC 
(5195) affects the morphology of the Whirlpool Galaxy and advances the subject of galactic 
dynamics. The results of this study provide the groundwork for further studies in the field of 
extragalactic astronomy.

Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
• The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51 (M51) , is a captivating spiral galaxy located in the constellation. • Type: Spiral Galaxy
• Distance: Approximately 23 million light-years from Earth
• Size: Spanning about 60,000 light-years in diameter
NGC 5195 - Companion Galaxy
• NGC 5195 is a smaller companion galaxy interacting with M51.
• Type: Dwarf Irregular Galaxy
• Interaction: In the process of merging with M51 • Connection: Linked to M51 through tidal forces, influencing its structure
Introduction. 

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Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
• The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51 (M51) , is a 
captivating spiral galaxy located in the constellation. 
• Type: Spiral Galaxy
• Distance: Approximately 23 million light-years from Earth
• Size: Spanning about 60,000 light-years in diameter
NGC 5195 - Companion Galaxy
• NGC 5195 is a smaller companion galaxy interacting with M51.
• Type: Dwarf Irregular Galaxy
• Interaction: In the process of merging with M51 
• Connection: Linked to M51 through tidal forces, influencing its 
structure
Introduction

Main Purpose Of The Study
• This study delves into the gravitational interactions between the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and NGC 5195, employing exploratory data analysis (EDA) and advanced image processing utilizing Astropy. • The research focuses on revealing morphological distortions in M51’s spiral arms induced by gravitational interactions.
Introduction
Hypothesis
• Given the gravitational interaction between M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy) and its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, we hypothesize that the spiral arms of M51, particularly those near NGC 5195, will exhibit more pronounced morphological distortions than regions farther away or less influenced by the interaction. • These distortions can appear as greater curvature, uneven arm spacing, fragmentation, or increased star formation along the arms. The underlying cause is the tidal forces imposed by NGC 5195 on M51.. 

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Main Purpose Of The Study
• This study delves into the gravitational interactions between the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and NGC 5195, 
employing exploratory data analysis (EDA) and advanced image processing utilizing Astropy. 
• The research focuses on revealing morphological distortions in M51’s spiral arms induced by gravitational 
interactions.
Introduction
Hypothesis
• Given the gravitational interaction between M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy) and its companion galaxy, NGC 5195, we 
hypothesize that the spiral arms of M51, particularly those near NGC 5195, will exhibit more pronounced 
morphological distortions than regions farther away or less influenced by the interaction. 
• These distortions can appear as greater curvature, uneven arm spacing, fragmentation, or increased star formation 
along the arms. The underlying cause is the tidal forces imposed by NGC 5195 on M51.

Purpose Of Exploratory Data Analysis
Understanding Dynamics: - Investigate the internal structures, dynamics, and interactions of M51 and NGC 5195.
Image Enhancement:- Employ image processing techniques to enhance observational data for a clearer analysis.
Astrophysical Insights:- Seek to gain insights into the astrophysical processes governing these galaxies.
Introduction. 

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Purpose Of Exploratory Data Analysis
Understanding Dynamics: - Investigate 
the internal structures, dynamics, and 
interactions of M51 and NGC 5195.
Image Enhancement:- Employ image 
processing techniques to enhance 
observational data for a clearer analysis.
Astrophysical Insights:- Seek to gain 
insights into the astrophysical processes 
governing these galaxies.
Introduction

Methodology
➢
Dataset consists of images of category ISO, Near- Infrared, Optical , XMM-Newton Soft Xray, XMM-OM Optical. Each category represents a different type of observation or instrument used in an astronomical context. ➢
We have used the robust Python astronomy library Astropy for data import. ➢
Dataset is in FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) format, which is widely used in astronomy, makes it easier to import data and images with Astropy.
Removing Missin
➢
Identify Missing Value - Used tools like `isnull()` to locate and quantify missing values in the dataset.
➢
Handle Missing Values - Decide whether to remove missing entries using `dropna()` or impute values through methods like mean or median imputation.
Importing Data and Images Removing Missing Values. 

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Methodology
➢
Dataset consists of images of category ISO, Near- Infrared, Optical , XMM-Newton Soft Xray, XMM-OM 
Optical. Each category represents a different type of observation or instrument used in an astronomical 
context. 
➢
We have used the robust Python astronomy library Astropy for data import. 
➢
Dataset is in FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) format, which is widely used in astronomy, makes it 
easier to import data and images with Astropy.
Removing Missin
➢
Identify Missing Value - Used tools like `isnull()` to locate and quantify missing values in the 
dataset.
➢
Handle Missing Values - Decide whether to remove missing entries using `dropna()` or impute 
values through methods like mean or median imputation.
Importing Data and Images
  Removing Missing Values

Methodology
➢
Normalizing pixels helps bring out subtle variations in intensity.
➢
Enhances visibility of intricate patterns or details in the image, promoting a more detailed analysis.
➢ Now we have utilized Matplotlib to showcase an astronomical image, presumably of the galaxy M51, using different color maps
➢ The resulting series of subplots provides a visual comparison, demonstrating how the choice of color map influences the visual representation of the astronomical image.
Normalizing Pixels
Visualizing The Image On Different Color Map. 

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Methodology
➢
Normalizing pixels helps bring out subtle variations in intensity.
➢
Enhances visibility of intricate patterns or details in the image, promoting a more detailed analysis.
➢ Now we have utilized Matplotlib to showcase an astronomical image, presumably of the galaxy 
M51, using different color maps
➢ The resulting series of subplots provides a visual comparison, demonstrating how the choice of color 
map influences the visual representation of the astronomical image.
Normalizing Pixels
Visualizing The Image On Different Color Map

Methodology
➢
Image filtering in preprocessing involves applying convolutional filters to modify an image.
➢
This technique aims to enhance features, reduce noise, or extract specific information, preparing the image for analysis or computer vision tasks.
➢ The median filter replaces each pixel’s value with the median value of its neighboring pixels within a defined window.
Filtering
Median Filter:
Sobel Horizontal And Vertical Filter:
➢ The Sobel horizontal filter emphasizes horizontal edges by convolving the image with a specific kernel, while the Sobel vertical filter highlights vertical edges.
Meijering Filter And Hessian Filter :
➢ The Meijering filter is specialized for enhancing blood vessels in biomedical images, emphasizing linear structures using the eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix. ➢ The Hessian filter is a general-purpose technique for shape and structure analysis in images.. 

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Methodology
➢
Image filtering in preprocessing involves applying convolutional filters to modify an image.
➢
This technique aims to enhance features, reduce noise, or extract specific information, preparing the image for 
analysis or computer vision tasks.
➢ The median filter replaces each pixel’s value with the median value of its neighboring pixels within a 
defined window.
Filtering
Median Filter:
Sobel Horizontal And Vertical Filter:
➢ The Sobel horizontal filter emphasizes horizontal edges by convolving the image with a specific kernel, 
while the Sobel vertical filter highlights vertical edges.
Meijering Filter And Hessian Filter :
➢ The Meijering filter is specialized for enhancing blood vessels in biomedical images, emphasizing 
linear structures using the eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix. 
➢ The Hessian filter is a general-purpose technique for shape and structure analysis in images.

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Conclusion
➢ Applying a wide range of image processing filters has produced convincing evidence in favor of our theory that M51’s spiral arm deformation is caused by gravitational interaction with NGC 5195. ➢ These filters reveal dynamic changes in the galaxy’s architecture that confirm the existence of gravitational interactions and the complex relationship between the two galaxies' tidal forces and active star formation regions.
➢ The thorough examination of the processed photos supports the idea that the spiral arm deformations seen in M51 are, in fact, a result of NGC 5195’s gravitational pull. ➢ In light of these findings, it is evident that our initial hypothesis remains steadfast and well-founded.. 

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Conclusion
➢ Applying a wide range of image processing filters has produced convincing 
evidence in favor of our theory that M51’s spiral arm deformation is caused 
by gravitational interaction with NGC 5195. 
➢ These filters reveal dynamic changes in the galaxy’s architecture that confirm 
the existence of gravitational interactions and the complex relationship 
between the two galaxies' tidal forces and active star formation regions.
➢ The thorough examination of the processed photos supports the idea that the 
spiral arm deformations seen in M51 are, in fact, a result of NGC 5195’s 
gravitational pull. 
➢ In light of these findings, it is evident that our initial hypothesis remains 
steadfast and well-founded.

References
➢Mumford, S. J., et al. (2015). The Astropy Problem-Astropy for Astronomy and Astropy for Users. The Astronomical Journal, 149(2), 50.
➢Robitaille, T. P., et al. (2013). Astropy: A community Python package for astronomy. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 558, A33
➢Schinnerer, E., Boker, T., & Meier, D. S. (2006). ¨ A Correlation between Galaxy Morphology and Interaction Strength in Early-Type Galaxies in Compact Groups. The Astrophysical Journal, 649(1), 181-
193.
➢ Bostroem, K. A., Barbary, K. (2018). The Astropy Project: Steering, Coordination, and Community Involvement. Astronomy Astrophysics, 558, A33. ➢Scharr, H., Schonemann, P. H. (2007). A review of edge detection ¨ in images and videos. In Pattern Recognition, 2007. ICPR 2007. 17th International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 34-37). IEEE.
➢]Scharr, H., Schonemann, P. H. (2007). A review of edge detection ¨ in images and videos. In Pattern Recognition, 2007. ICPR 2007. 17th International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 34-37). IEEE.
➢Irwin, J. A., & Sofue, Y. (1992). Arm Classifications for Spiral Galaxies. The Astrophysical Journal, 396, 44-57.. 

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References
➢Mumford, S. J., et al. (2015). The Astropy Problem-Astropy for Astronomy and Astropy for Users. The 
Astronomical Journal, 149(2), 50.
➢Robitaille, T. P., et al. (2013). Astropy: A community Python package for astronomy. Astronomy & 
Astrophysics, 558, A33
➢Schinnerer, E., Boker, T., & Meier, D. S. (2006). ¨ A Correlation between Galaxy Morphology and 
Interaction Strength in Early-Type Galaxies in Compact Groups. The Astrophysical Journal, 649(1), 181-
193.
➢ Bostroem, K. A., Barbary, K. (2018). The Astropy Project: Steering, Coordination, and Community 
Involvement. Astronomy Astrophysics, 558, A33. 
➢Scharr, H., Schonemann, P. H. (2007). A review of edge detection ¨ in images and videos. In Pattern 
Recognition, 2007. ICPR 2007. 17th International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 34-37). IEEE.
➢]Scharr, H., Schonemann, P. H. (2007). A review of edge detection ¨ in images and videos. In Pattern 
Recognition, 2007. ICPR 2007. 17th International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 34-37). IEEE.
➢Irwin, J. A., & Sofue, Y. (1992). Arm Classifications for Spiral Galaxies. The Astrophysical Journal, 396, 
44-57.