
A new supernova recently discovered in the Pinwheel Galaxy continues to put on a show for astronomers.
The supernova, called SN 2023ixf, was discovered on May 19, 2023 by amateur astronomer and supernova hunter Koichi Itagaki of Japan and was confirmed by the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) in California shortly thereafter. Astronomers are calling it one of the brightest supernovas in years, and are already studying it to help improve our understanding of the evolution of stars in their final stages.