The explosion of a colossal star located in the arm of the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) is the closest supernova to Earth, and its spectacular demise is expected to be visible for several months, including through amateur telescopes in the backyard settings, as reported by Astronomy.
The newly discovered supernova, named SN 2023ixf by NASA, was initially detected by Koichi Itagaki on May 19 when it had a magnitude of 14.9. However, it rapidly increased in brightness over the following weekend. Astronomers analyzed data from the Zwicky Transient Facility and discovered evidence of the supernova two days before Itagaki's observation.
Closest Supernova Ever Observed Could Shine Bright For Months Even When Viewed From Amateur Telescopes
Type II Supernova Valuable for New Insights
Science Times previously reported on the discovery of the supernova, now named SN 2023ixf. As per NASA, the Zwicky Transient Facility in California confirmed the cosmic explosion by identifying images of the supernova that were captured automatically two days before Itagaki's discovery.
Andy Howell, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an astronomer at Las Cumbres Observatory, explained in a Twitter post that massive stars undergo convulsions toward the end of their lives, shedding their outer layers into space.
Catching a star in this act is a rare occurrence due to the vast distances involved or the delayed detection of the supernova. Therefore, the SN 2023ixf supernova presents an opportunity for astronomers to learn valuable insights.
Researchers swiftly determined that the cosmic explosion is classified as a Type II supernova, Futurism reported. In this type, the core of a massive star collapses suddenly when it exhausts its fuel and can no longer counteract its gravitational forces.
The supernova is located in a galaxy relatively close to us, at a distance of approximately 21 million light-years, making it the nearest supernova observed in the past five years, as noted by NASA. Due to its proximity and young age in cosmic terms, scientists are eager to study SN 2023ixf, hoping that it will provide valuable new information regarding the evolution and demise of massive stars.
Scientists are keen to investigate the supernova since it is quite nearby and young by cosmic standards. They hope it will give interesting new data on the history of huge stars and how they die.
READ ALSO: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures Image of a Supernova Exploding 11 Billion Years Ago
Is the Supernova Visible By the Naked Eye?
Observing this exploding supergiant star, resulting from the collapse of its core due to its gravity, requires more than just clear skies and keen eyes. As Howell wrote in his tweet, SN 2023ixf cannot be seen with the naked eye.
To witness a supernova without the aid of a telescope, Forbes reported that one would need a supernova occurrence within the Milky Way galaxy or a neighboring satellite galaxy.
Despite the presence of the supernova, the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) remains an exceptional sight worth observing through a telescope. It boasts a magnificent spiral structure with arms filled with stars. The Solar System enjoys a face-on perspective of this galaxy, viewing it from either the top or bottom.
SN 2023ixf itself initially appears as a mere point of light. However, it is currently undergoing a process of brightening, surpassing the luminosity of any other object within the galaxy. Howell mentioned that the supernova's brightness will continue to increase in the following days. Backyard telescopes should enable observers to witness their brilliance for a few months.
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