Galaxy and Supernova in Ursa Major
This bright Type II supernova was discovered on July 8, 2026 when it was about magnitude 11.6. In this image, taken about three weeks later, the supernova is still bright. Judging by the magnitudes of the nearby forground stars, the supernova seems to be about magnitude 12 at this time. It is hard to comprehend a star that is so bright compared to its home galaxy!
In a Type II supernova, when the massive star runs out of nuclear fuel, there is a "core collapse" in which the center of the star shrinks and becomes either a neutron star or a black hole. The outer portions of the star, including atoms of the heavy elements that can only be formed in a supernova explosion, are released into the galaxy.
| Magnitude | 10.8 |
| Apparent Size | 3.1' x 2.4' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 59 million |
| Right Ascension | 10:38.7 |
| Declination | +53 30 |
| Field of View | 38' x 25' |
Image details: 40 exposures of 60 seconds each, taken with taken with a ZWO ASI2600MC Pro imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.6.
July 31, 2026