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Southern Pinwheel Located in the Hydra constellation, the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as M83, is one of the brightest galaxies in our night sky. We discovered it about 250 years ago, but it was considered a gas cloud until we were able to give it a much closer look. The vibrant colors in this enormous whirlpool of pink and purple are this galaxy’s most distinct feature, apart from the frequent supernova explosions observed by astronomers. There are currently eight active supernovas that we’ve observed in the galaxy and remnants of hundreds more. The pink color is a direct result of the new stars forming in the system, which release an immense amount of UV energy. That energy is absorbed by the surrounding dust and gas, turning it pink. Definitively calling it the prettiest galaxy is probably a bit subjective, but it does look like a giant space flower, so judge for yourself. |