The day in pictures - Tuesday 26 February 2013

The Whirlpool Galaxy, a classic spiral galaxy, is pictured in this NASA image Credit: NASA/Hubble

30 millions light years way, Space

The Whirlpool Galaxy M51, also known as NGC 5194, is one of the brightest and most picturesque galaxies on the sky.

Berlin, Germany

A sculpture showing a pistol, inspired by Swedish artist Carl Frederik Reutersvaerd sculpture's "Non-Violence", is pictured in front of the Reichstag's building.

The sculpture is a centre-piece of a protest against the German arms trade. Credit: Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

Amman, Jordan

Abayed, a six-year-old herding dog, walks with a specially-made wheeled walking aid outside the Humane Centre for Animal Welfare.

Abayed received treatment after a bullet pierced his spine and paralysing him two years ago. Credit: Reuters/Ali Jarekji

Aleppo, Syria

Members of the Free Syrian Army chant as one of them plays the guitar near Nairab military airport in Aleppo.

Free Syrian Army member share a moment of light relief Credit: Reuters/Hamid Khatib

Rome, Italy

A worker sets up a structure for TV media in front of St Peter's Square in Rome, ahead of the Pope's resignation on Thursday.

Huge crowds are expected to gather in St Peter's Square on Thursday. Credit: Reuters

Windsor, UK

Four baby Bamboo sharks have arrived at their new home, the New Duplo Nursery at Legoland.

A baby Bamboo sharks familiarises itself in its new home. Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire/Press Association Images