M83 – The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy

M83 (NGC 5236), also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, is one of the brightest and most beautiful barred spiral galaxies visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Located approximately 15 million light-years away in the constellation Hydra, it is a region of intense star formation, with young blue star clusters and glowing hydrogen clouds spread throughout its spiral arms.

The light captured in this image began its journey long before modern humans existed, traveling across intergalactic space to reach Earth and my telescope.

Acquisition Details

Location: Porto Velho – Rondônia, Brazil
Sky Quality: Bortle 2

Telescope: Celestron C8 + 0.63x Focal Reducer
Camera: Player One Ares-C (IMX533)
Filter: UV/IR Cut
Mount: iOptron CEM25P
Guiding: OAG + ASI120
Total Integration: 1hr
Gain: 125
Sensor Temperature: -5°C
Processing: PixInsight