The Whirlpool Galaxy and its “companion” galaxy NGC 5194 can be seen below the Big Dipper in the constellation of Canes Venatici. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, but could be spotted with large binoculars. NGC 5194 is at the 10 o’ clock position.. The 2 galaxies are in a gravitational tug of war about 37 million light years from our galaxy,the Milky Way.