Properties of the Discrete X-ray Source Population of M51

The nearby galaxy M51 is perhaps the best example of a major interacting galaxy in the nearby universe. We present a discussion of the discrete X-ray source population of M51 using data from a Chandra Very Large Project (PI Kuntz). In this poster we present an analysis of the survey data, including X-ray colors, variability, spectra, and discrete source luminosity functions. We examine X-ray and multiwavelength properties of the sources to determine X-ray source classifications. We also discuss the ultraluminous X-ray source population with an emphasis on those sources that are likely black holes with high stellar mass counterparts.