Messier 83 (M83)

The Southern Pinwheel, one of the closest barred spirals and a supernova prolific.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Six supernovae have been recorded in it, among the most of any galaxy.
• Discovered by Lacaille from the Cape of Good Hope in 1752, before Messier's survey began.
• Twin star-forming rings circle its nucleus, revealed in ultraviolet imaging.

Specifications & Metrics

• GALAXY TYPE: Barred spiral (SABc)
• DISTANCE: ~15 million light-years