Astronz Object of the Week: M83 – The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy
This week, we’re turning our eyes toward one of the brightest and most beautiful galaxies in the southern skies: M83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy.
Located in the constellation Hydra, M83 lies about 15 million light-years away and stretches roughly 55,000 light-years across—a little over half the size of our Milky Way. Despite the distance, it’s a spectacular sight through a telescope, often described as one of the most photogenic galaxies in the night sky.
A Grand Spiral in the South
M83 is a classic barred spiral galaxy, with well-defined arms that sweep outward in graceful curves. These spiral arms are bursting with pink star-forming regions and bright blue clusters of young stars. In astrophotographs, the galaxy often glows with a cotton-candy blend of blues, whites, and reds—like a cosmic whirlpool caught mid-spin.
Its nickname, “Southern Pinwheel,” reflects its resemblance to M101, the better-known Pinwheel Galaxy in the northern hemisphere. But M83 is a showstopper in its own right, offering a dazzling view for southern observers.
Supernova Central
This galaxy is also famous for being a supernova hot spot. At least six supernovae have been observed in M83 in the last century, making it one of the most active galaxies of its kind in terms of stellar explosions. That makes it a key object of study for astronomers interested in the life cycles of stars.
How to See M83
M83 is best viewed in late autumn through winter here in the Southern Hemisphere. From New Zealand, it climbs high enough in the sky to be viewed in relative comfort, especially from dark sky areas.
To find it:
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Look for the constellation Hydra, which winds its way along the southern sky.
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M83 lies just to the east of the bright star Gamma Hydrae, not far from Centaurus.
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In binoculars, it appears as a faint, fuzzy patch.
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Through a 6" Dobsonian telescope or larger, you can start to trace its glowing core and, under dark skies, even hints of the spiral structure.
Why We Love It
M83 represents everything we love about deep sky observing: beauty, mystery, and a sense of scale that makes you feel small in the best possible way. Whether you're photographing it or simply admiring its glow, the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy is a reminder of the dynamic, ever-changing universe we live in.
Want to see it for yourself? Grab your telescope, head to a dark sky site, and go galaxy hunting. Saturn’s rings are incredible—but so is this whirling island of stars, quietly spinning 15 million light-years from home.
Happy observing!