Did We Just Witness a Supernova in M95?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Drakkith
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Supernova
AI Thread Summary
A potential new supernova has been spotted in the nearby spiral galaxy M95, identified as a Type IIP core-collapse supernova. Observers are eager to capture images and share their findings, with one participant already taking photos influenced by the proximity of Mars. There is discussion about estimating the supernova's magnitude through visual comparisons with nearby stars. Enthusiasts express excitement about the event and its implications, sharing resources like the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) for further reference. The phenomenon has sparked interest in explaining supernovae to others at local star parties.
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Wow, I was just observing M95 (and a bunch of other galaxies) this past weekend. I'll have to take a look again this weekend and try to spot it, maybe even take an image if I'm feeling ambitious.
 
According to Wikipedia it's a type 2 supernova. I'm in the middle of imaging it right now and will try to remember to post the pic as soon as I get home.
 
Here we are. Taken tonight. The light everywhere in the picture is from Mars, as it is very close to M95 at the moment.
 

Attachments

  • M95-SN-1-Cropped.jpg
    M95-SN-1-Cropped.jpg
    44.2 KB · Views: 545
Drakkith said:
Here we are. Taken tonight. The light everywhere in the picture is from Mars, as it is very close to M95 at the moment.

Well done buddy. :)

Will have to wait till I get out of hospital to get at my planetarium prog and see if
M95 gets above my horizon

Did you do a magnitude estimate?

Dave
 
davenn said:
Well done buddy. :)

Will have to wait till I get out of hospital to get at my planetarium prog and see if
M95 gets above my horizon

Did you do a magnitude estimate?

Dave

Nah, I'm not sure how to do that. Maybe I'll look it up tonight.
 
Drakkith said:
Nah, I'm not sure how to do that. Maybe I'll look it up tonight.

Do a visual comparison to other foreground (not stars of the galaxy) stars in the area.
You will be able to get the visual magnitudes of those stars from any decent star map, planetarium prog etc. you should be able to get within + - a magnitude. :)

Dave
 
Nice image, Drakkith. Apparently it is a Type-IIP core-collapse supernova.
 
I'll have an opportunity Monday - that's really cool.
 
  • #11
  • #12
SHISHKABOB said:
and to think just one little (compared to the galaxy) star did that :o

I had to explain that to everyone at our clubs star party this weekend. Got a few "Ooohhs" out of it.
 

Similar threads

A Where to Find the Best Records of Past Supernova Events
Replies
1
Views
2K
Evidence of an asteroid encountering a pulsar
Replies
12
Views
4K
I Core collapse of a supernova: the "void" left by the collapsed core?
Replies
45
Views
9K
Can a Supernova Core Reignite as a Smaller Star?
Replies
5
Views
3K
B Strange spiral structure in Oort Cloud, outer Solar System
Replies
2
Views
1K
The star Betelgeuse going supernova soon?
Replies
35
Views
33K
What Makes Supernova 2008ha Unique and How Did a 14-Year-Old Discover It?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Where do the heaviest elements come from?
Replies
7
Views
7K
Stuff I always wondered about astrophysics
2
Replies
51
Views
9K
B What If We Could See the Past by Placing a Mirror on the Sun?
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top