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Just saw this: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/b...king-possible-supernova-in-nearby-spiral-m95/
Looks like there might be a new supernova in M95!
Looks like there might be a new supernova in M95!
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.
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
Drakkith said:Nah, I'm not sure how to do that. Maybe I'll look it up tonight.
Drakkith said:Check out the APOD photo here: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120322.html
SHISHKABOB said:and to think just one little (compared to the galaxy) star did that
A supernova is an extremely bright astronomical event that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life and explodes. This explosion releases a huge amount of energy and creates a shockwave that can be seen from Earth.
Scientists use telescopes and specialized instruments to detect potential supernovae. They look for sudden increases in brightness or changes in the spectrum of light emitted by a star, which can indicate a supernova event.
The possible supernova in M95 is significant because it is located in a nearby galaxy, allowing for detailed observations and studies. It is also one of the closest possible supernovae detected in recent years.
The timeline for observing and confirming a supernova event can vary, but typically it takes a few days for scientists to identify a potential supernova and then several weeks to months to confirm it through further observations and analysis.
Studying supernovae can provide valuable insights into the processes and events that occur in the universe. They can help us understand the life cycle of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the expansion of the universe. Supernovae also produce elements that are essential for life, such as carbon and oxygen, allowing us to better understand the origins of our own solar system and planet.