A face-on barred spiral in Hydra - M83

[rcj]

Another catch from last weekend's Mersing trip. After several failed attempts (either cloudy, hazy, or rainy) in the past, finally there was enough data to generate a RGB composite of M83 (sometimes known as the Southern Pinwheel), a typical starburst galaxy in Hydra. Captured with the E210 (not really enough focal length for this galaxy, but thought i will just go ahead).

[Enterprise]

Beautiful lanes of dust(?) in the arms. Wow to capture this means even a larger newtonian is needed?

[rcj]

thanks Jay! It was tough trying to get enough exposures (and data) due to the high frequency of passing cumulus both nights. glad it was sufficient for a colour composite.

[starfinder]

Very nice! I really like the overall colour balance and contrast of the galaxy and surrounding stars; it has a very natural feel to it, like the Hubble images.

Looks like your new mount is working wonders!

PS: I can see two small background galaxies just to the left of M83, 9 o'clock position.

[rcj]

thanks Gavin! Yes, infact there are a couple of background galaxies in this FOV. You are right on the two "smaller" ones beside M83 too.