M83 is a gem in the southern night sky. Prominet spiral arms characterize this galaxy, the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy. Many reddish star-forming regions run along the edges of the thick dust lanes in its arms. They led to the further nickname, Galaxy of a Thousand Rubies.
A striking feature is a very extended hydrogen halo beyond what is usually considered the edge of the galaxy, much more than is usual for such galaxies. And finally, a tidal star tream bulges on the right. These are remnants of a smaller companion galaxy that has been torn apart by the strong gravity of M83 and are merging with it.
M83 – Southern Pinwheel Galaxy