6/05/2011. A supernova has erupted in M51. It was discovered a couple of nights ago by a French amateur astronomer at around Mv 14. Even though I was imaging M51 frequently, clouds hid the sky during the critical few days, so I have nothing of astrophysical interest. That is, my images on May 30 (morning, UT) don't seem to show anything at the SN's position that isn't also present in images made May 8. It's still a good show. When the sun came up this morning, Amy asked me what I had photographed last night. An exploding star in M51, I told her. Does it look like Charlie Sheen? she asked.
First 300s sub-frame, L filter.
Supernova in Messier 51
Oh why not? Flash movie clip made from
Two exploding stars. M51: 2h15m L, 15:15:15 RGB |
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