“Whirling Lights”: M83 – The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy

This stunning barred spiral galaxy, also known as M83, lies 15 million light-years away in the constellation Hydra. It’s one of the closest and brightest barred spiral galaxies in our sky, known for its vibrant star formation and chaotic supernova remnants scattered throughout its arms.

Bringing this galaxy to life with a 30yo scope felt like connecting the old and new. This telescope, paired with modern technology, still manages to reveal the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos. There’s something magical about capturing these distant wonders with gear that has seen so many skies over the decades.

Telescope: Celestron Ultima 9-1/4

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM Pro

Mount: Sky-Watcher NEQ6-Pro

Frames:

Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 36×300″(3h)

Baader Blue (CMOS-Optimized) 36 mm: 75×180″(3h 45′)

Baader Green (CMOS-Optimized) 36 mm: 75×180″(3h 45′)

Baader Red (CMOS-Optimized) 36 mm: 75×180″(3h 45′)

Baader UV/IR CUT Luminance (CMOS Optimized) 36 mm: 140×180″(7h)

Integration Time: 21h 15′

Copyright: Rod Prazeres