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Space
Space
Science
Brett Tingley

See new supernova shine bright in stunning Pinwheel Galaxy photo

SN 2023ixf (lower left), is the closest supernova seen in the past five years and is located along one of the spiral arms of the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101).  (Image credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA Image Processing: J. Miller (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Rodriguez (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF’s NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF’s NOIRLab) & D. de Martin (NSF’s NOIRLab).)

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.

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