Supernova discovered in the Milky Way

mca

For many years, astronomers have been puzzled by something missing in the Milky Way galaxy: exploding stars. Supernovas are supposed to appear two or three times every century, but none have been seen since the year 1680. Where are they? At long last, one of the "missing supernovas" has been found.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/14may_galactichunt.htm

AC

ps   This news also indicates the great use of multiband-telescopes; they can reveal sky mysteries in non-visual wavelengths where optical telescopes fails to see.

mca

This is the supernova of 1680 (Cassiopiea A)
http://www.noao.edu/outreach/aop/observers/cassA.html

Image taken by 20-inch scope. The supernova is within the reign of Milky Way Galaxy, ~10000 light years away from the Sun.

BillYeung

Dear Alan,

Thanks for such a wonderful article.

In June issue of S&T, there is an article talking about a new method to search for extincted supernova in our Milky Way too