Exploratory Data Analysis Of The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) And NGC (5195)

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..

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..

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.

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..

Result Images with best insights :.

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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