M83: A Barred Spiral Galaxy . ... Credit Copyright: W. Keel ( U. Alabama in Tuscaloosa ), KPNO , 4-m Mayall Telescope Explanation: M83 is a bright spiral galaxy that can be found with a small telescope in the constellation of Hydra . ... It takes light about 15 million years to reach us from M83 . The spiral arms are given a blue color by the many bright young stars that have recently formed there. Dark dust lanes are also visible. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...