M51, 2MASS
M51 is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It lies at a distance of about 37 million light years. Images at most wavelengths show two galaxies, the larger of which is M51 while the smaller of the two is known to astronomers as NGC5195.

M51 was observed as part of the 2-Micron All Sky Survey, a survey carried out in the infra-red part of the elesctromagnetic spectrum.

Image credit: 2MASS