Southern Pinwheel Galaxy
spiral galaxy · Hydra · 7.6ᵐ
The Southern Pinwheel — a face-on barred spiral and one of the most prolific supernova factories known, with six observed.
Notable facts
About 1/2 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Southern Pinwheel Galaxy in?
Southern Pinwheel Galaxy lies in Hydra.
Is Southern Pinwheel Galaxy visible to the naked eye?
7.6ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Southern Pinwheel Galaxy?
Best observed in April.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 13h 37m · −29° 52′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Hydra
- How to observe
- 7.6ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 13×12′
- Designation
- M83 · NGC 5236 · Southern Pinwheel
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 0° | 175° |
| +55° | 5° | 150° |
| +45° | 15° | 135° |
| +30° | 30° | 125° |
| 0° | 60° | 120° |
| −35° | 85° | 127° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 05:51 |
| February | 03:44 |
| March | 01:59 |
| April | 00:06 |
| May | 22:11 |
| June | 20:05 |
| July | 18:01 |
| August | 16:00 |
| September | 14:07 |
| October | 12:18 |
| November | 10:18 |
| December | 08:09 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.