Has There Been a Recent Supernova in Andromeda?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the occurrence of supernovas in the Andromeda Galaxy, specifically questioning whether any have been observed in the last 200 years. The conversation touches on the implications of timing for astronomical observations and historical events related to supernovae.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the frequency of supernovas in our galaxy is about one per century and questions if there has been a recent supernova in Andromeda.
  • Another participant suggests using Google for information, referencing a specific supernova in Andromeda.
  • A participant comments on the brightness of a supernova, mentioning it reached magnitude 6.
  • There is a sentiment expressed about the timing of supernova events, with one participant lamenting that a supernova did not occur ten years later when photographic plates would have been available for better observation.
  • Another participant shares a similar frustration regarding the timing of SN1987A, wishing it had occurred later when more advanced observational tools were in operation.
  • A humorous remark is made about the anticipation of Betelgeuse going supernova at an inconvenient time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various opinions and frustrations regarding the timing of supernova events and their observational opportunities. There is no consensus on whether a recent supernova in Andromeda has been confirmed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific references to recent observations or confirmations regarding supernova activity in Andromeda, and it does not clarify the criteria for determining what constitutes a "recent" supernova.

Thecla
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The frequency of supernovas in our galaxy is about one per century. Has there been a supernova in the Andromeda Galaxy in the last 200 years?
 
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Wow that sucker reached magnitude 6...
 
Yup, and it's really annoying that it didn't go off ten years later when we would have had photographic plates.

On the other hand, I know more than a few people that were annoyed that SN1987A went off when it did rather than a decade later when Super-Kamiokande was in operation.
 
twofish-quant said:
Yup, and it's really annoying that it didn't go off ten years later when we would have had photographic plates.

On the other hand, I know more than a few people that were annoyed that SN1987A went off when it did rather than a decade later when Super-Kamiokande was in operation.

I'm going to be annoyed with Betelgeuse when it goes supernova 10 years after I die. :smile:
 

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