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Credit & Copyright: Stephane Lamotte Bailey,
Marc Deldem, &
Jean-Luc Dauvergne
Explanation:
One of the brightest supernovas in recent years has just been recorded in the nearby
Whirlpool galaxy (M51).
Surprisingly, a seemingly
similar supernova was recorded in M51 during 2005, following
yet another one that occurred in 1994.
Three supernovas in 17 years is a lot for single galaxy, and reasons for the
supernova surge in M51 are being
debated.
Pictured
above are two images of
M51 taken with a small telescope: one taken on May 30
that does not show the supernova, and one taken on June 2 which does.
The June 2 image is one of the first images reported to contain the supernova.
The images are blinked to show the location of the
exploded star.
Although most supernovas follow
classic brightness patterns, the precise brightening and dimming pattern of
this or any supernova is hard to predict in advance and can tell astronomers much about
what is happening.
Currently, the
M51 supernova, designated
SN 2011dh, is still bright enough to follow with a small telescope.
Therefore, sky enthusiasts are encouraged to image the
Whirlpool galaxy
as often as possible to fill in time gaps left by intermittent observations made
by the world's most powerful
telescopes.
Views of the developing supernova are being
uploaded here.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: M 51 - supernova - Whirlpool galaxy
Publications with words: M 51 - supernova - Whirlpool galaxy
See also: