The spiral galaxy near the top of this image is M 100
and is an example of a "Grand Design" spiral galaxy,
this one seen face-on. It is part of the Virgo Cluster
of galaxies, and is in fact the brightest galaxy in that
cluster. There are a number of smaller galaxies visible
in this image, including three small companion galaxies
on the left side of M 100 which orbit it. M 100 is 56 million
light years away from earth.

Image data:
Camera: Canon 350 XT (modified)
Exposure: 5 minutes x 20
Telescope: 10" Schmidt-Newtonian, Baader MPCC