Is 1987A still visible?
The strikingly bright shock waves from a massive star explosion first observed in 1987 can still be seen today, three decades later. This brilliant star explosion, called Supernova 1987A, occurred only 160,000 light-years from Earth in a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way known as the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Why was Supernova 1987A so important?
Supernova 1987A was the brightest supernova seen from Earth in the four centuries since the telescope was invented. It was the first opportunity for modern astronomers to see a supernova up close. Observations since then of Supernova 1987A have provided much insight into these fascinating objects.
When did Supernova 1987A actually occur?
158,013 B.C.
Supernova 1987A is located in a nearby galaxy called the Large Magellanic Cloud. This galaxy is about 160,000 light years from Earth, so when it was first observed by optical telescopes in 1987, the event had actually occurred about 158,013 B.C. We are seeing a delayed-action replay of the actual event.
Was Supernova 1987A visible to the naked eye?
On February 23, 1987, the brightest supernova in almost four centuries years was observed in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small galaxy on the outskirts of the Milky Way. It was so bright that it was visible to the naked eye from Earth’s surface, emitting the power of a 100 million Suns.
Who discovered 1987A?
SN 1987A was discovered independently by Ian Shelton and Oscar Duhalde at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile on February 24, 1987, and within the same 24 hours by Albert Jones in New Zealand.
How was Supernova 1987A discovered?
Data taken by a small telescope aboard the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite helped astronomers identify the exploding star’s location as Sanduleak -69° 202, the former site of a blue supergiant about 20 times the mass of the sun. They named the exploding star Supernova 1987A.
How big is sk69202?
about 20 solar masses
Sk-69202, Progenitor of SN 1987A It presumed to have a mass of about 20 solar masses. Blue supergiant stars are typically characterized by an O-Type spectrum.
What did Hubble see on 2002?
Astronomers released Hubble images of a “light echo” around a star called V838 Monocerotis, which in January 2002 had suddenly swelled in brightness, giving off 600,000 times more light than our Sun does.
