M 83 The Southern Pinwheel, AlBroxton

M 83 The Southern Pinwheel

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Description

Messier 83 (also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, ( M83 or NGC 5236) is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 15 million light-years away in the constellation Hydra. It is one of the closest and brightest barred spiral galaxies in the sky, making it visible with binoculars. This is M83, the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy. It earned its name from the distinct pinwheel shape of its long spiral arms. Color photographs of this galaxy reveal a wide range of colors from the yellow central core of old stars to the blue spiral arms of young stars. Several red knots can also be seen. These are gaseous nebulae where active star formation is taking place. Dark lanes of dust are also visible throughout the galaxy's disk. M83 is situated about 15 million light-years from Earth. It is receding from us at around 337 km/sec. This galaxy has been the site of six supernovae, which is more than any other Messier galaxy. It was also the first galaxy to be discovered beyond the local group. Discovered Feb 23rd 1752 by Abbe Nicholas.

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Revisions

  • M 83 The Southern Pinwheel, AlBroxton
    Original
  • M 83 The Southern Pinwheel, AlBroxton
    B
  • Final
    M 83 The Southern Pinwheel, AlBroxton
    C

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M 83 The Southern Pinwheel, AlBroxton

In these collections

Allen Broxton
Galaxies