STScI

A new nearby supernova

A week ago, a new supernova, or exploding star, was discovered in the Pinwheel Galaxy, 21 million light-years away. While this event can’t be seen with the naked eye, the equipment in the school lab makes it easy to do so for a few more months until it dims too much. Supernova 2023ixf is found in the constellation Ursa Major near the Big Dipper. Cause of the supernova is probably the collapse of a massive star at the end of its life. On 26.5. a group of students of the comprehensive school Waldbröl was with us and could observe this event. Participants were Lucas Merkel,
Ayleen Latkowski, Niklas Rohleder, Mara Weier, Joshua Schneider, Matin Yahyaei Elizeei

Photo: Simon Gier. Text: Thomas Eversberg

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