An X-ray study of M51 (NGC 5194) and its compagnion (NGC 5195).

The galaxy M51 and its companion NGC 5195 were observed with the Einstein High-Resolution Imager. The X-ray observations led to the detection of both galaxies with (0.2-4.0 keV) X-ray luminosities of 3.0 x 10 to the 40th ergs/s and 2.1 x 10 to the 39th ergs/s respectively. M51 and its companion are compared to other spiral and irregular galaxies observed in X-rays, and the various components of the X-ray emission of M51 (i.e., nucleus, point sources, and unresolved extended emission) are discussed. 69 references.