An explosion in a galaxy, far, far away
A Type II supernova, formed by the violent explosion of a star 10-50 times larger than our Sun, has been detected close to Ursa Major. Known as SN 2023ixf, it is relatively easily seen through small amateur telescopes and is located in the Pinwheel Galaxy, which is only about 21 million light years away, making it the closest supernova detected in five years. Supernovas are important as they expel carbon and other heavy elements that later condense into planets, making them fundamental to life.
A Type II supernova, formed by the violent explosion of a star 10-50 times larger than our Sun, has been detected close to Ursa Major. Known as SN 2023ixf, it is relatively easily seen through small amateur telescopes and is located in the Pinwheel Galaxy, which is only about 21 million light years away, making it the closest supernova detected in five years. Supernovas are important as they expel carbon and other heavy elements that later condense into planets, making them fundamental to life.