- #1
What caused the recent supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy?
In summary, the conversation is about an amateur astronomer who was working on imaging the M101 Pinwheel Galaxy and was hoping to discover a supernova. They were experimenting with their equipment and had some issues with color balance and exposures. The astronomer realized that they may have unknowingly captured the supernova in their photos. The conversation also mentions a clip of a single subframe taken with a different scope showing the supernova. The topic of measuring the light curve is also brought up. The conversation ends with a reference to an amateur astronomer who unknowingly captured a rare supernova and a link to an article about it.
- #2
russ_watters
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Holy cow, I've been working on imaging that galaxy while experimenting with my equipment. Weather didn't cooperate last night, bit I was planning to try again tonight. Discovering a supernova would be awesome, but I'm not sure I would notice, lol.
- #3
russ_watters
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On second thought, there's a decent chance I would have noticed. One of the issues I was working on/experimenting with is color balance/exposures. My result is below (similar orientation as the discovery photo), which has some weird color artifacts in overexposed stars. Since I was working on that and since I shot different colors on different days, I likely would have noticed an oddly colored star, showing up in red and green but not blue, for example.
And here's a clip of a single subframe I just took with a different scope, with the supernova still visible/circled:
And here's a clip of a single subframe I just took with a different scope, with the supernova still visible/circled:
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- #4
Vanadium 50
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So, are you going to measure the light curve?
- #5
pinball1970
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This amateur astronomer caught it unknowingly. Nice kit!
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisc...ngly-records-rare-supernova-bursting-to-life/
He does say, "right now.." When he meant, "right now (for us) 21 million years ago (for them)."
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisc...ngly-records-rare-supernova-bursting-to-life/
He does say, "right now.." When he meant, "right now (for us) 21 million years ago (for them)."
FAQ: What caused the recent supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy?
What caused the recent supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy?
The recent supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as Messier 101, was caused by the explosive death of a massive star. This type of supernova, classified as Type II, occurs when a star with a mass greater than eight times that of the Sun exhausts its nuclear fuel, leading to a catastrophic collapse of its core and subsequent explosion.
How was the supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy detected?
The supernova was detected by astronomers using a combination of ground-based telescopes and space observatories. Initial detection often comes from automated surveys that scan the sky for sudden increases in brightness, followed by confirmation and detailed observation through various wavelengths such as optical, X-ray, and radio.
What is the significance of studying supernovae in galaxies like the Pinwheel Galaxy?
Studying supernovae in galaxies like the Pinwheel Galaxy is crucial for understanding stellar evolution, the chemical enrichment of galaxies, and the dynamics of galaxy formation. Supernovae distribute heavy elements into the interstellar medium, influencing the formation of new stars and planetary systems. Additionally, they serve as important distance indicators for measuring the scale of the universe.
What can we learn about the progenitor star of the supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy?
By analyzing the light curves and spectra of the supernova, astronomers can infer properties of the progenitor star, such as its mass, composition, and the nature of its stellar environment. Observations of the supernova's remnants can also provide clues about the star's life cycle and the processes leading up to its explosion.
Are there any potential impacts of the supernova on the Pinwheel Galaxy?
While the supernova itself is a localized event, its impact can be significant. The explosion can trigger shock waves that compress surrounding gas clouds, potentially leading to new star formation. Additionally, the supernova ejects heavy elements into the galaxy, enriching the interstellar medium and contributing to the chemical evolution of the galaxy. However, the overall structure and stability of the Pinwheel Galaxy are not likely to be significantly affected by a single supernova event.