Messier 100 (M100 or NGC 4321)
is a spiral galaxy about
55 million light-years' distant that is oriented
moderately close to perpendicular to the line of sight,
i.e., so the spiral is fully in view.
It is classified as a grand design spiral galaxy,
showing a very clear spiral structure.
A number of supernova have been identified in it.
Like Whirlpool Galaxy, its orientation makes it ideal for many
observations aimed at discovering the
architecture of spiral galaxies such
as the frequency, location, and density
of molecular clouds.