When to photograph M 83 (Southern Pinwheel Galaxy)
M 83, the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, is a galaxy in Hydra, 14′ x 13′ across at magnitude 7.2. Also listed as NGC 5236.
When to photograph it
From 45° N it never climbs above 30°. It peaks at 15° when it crosses the meridian, low enough that haze and light pollution soften it. It is possible with a clear southern horizon, but hard.
From 35° S the best months are April and May, with up to 9.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in April. It reaches 85° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 14′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 1380 to 3150 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 2120 to 4850 mm.
Filters and the moon
Galaxies are broadband targets. Filters cannot separate their light from light pollution, so dark skies and moon-free nights matter most. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows M 83's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 68 13.0° away
- NGC 5128 Centaurus A 13.4° away
- NGC 5694 14.2° away
- NGC 5139 Omega Centauri 17.7° away
- NGC 4945 20.5° away
- NGC 5286 21.6° away
Gear that suits M 83
M 83 is 14′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Celestron C8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron EdgeHD 8 OTA 2032 mm f/10: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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