Violent Occasion: Supernova in M101

On the latest news of astronomy world, a new supernova was seen on August 24 by Caltech astronomers. This new supernova, now called SN 2011fe (initially designated PTF 11kly), was exploded in the Pinwheel galaxy (M101) in the constellation Ursa Major. The star was first a dim magnitude 17.2, but now has brightened to magnitude 10 and easily reached under a 4-inch telescope.

Of course this is a great news for amateur astronomers. However, M101 itself is a little hard to see at this time as the Big Dipper is low on the horizon for most of the night, and it is impossible to spot M101 from the deep southern hemisphere as the position of the Big Dipper is under the horizon. But if you insist to observe it, go outside around 7 PM and yes, naked eyes won't do but a backyard telescope or good binoculars should be enough to see it.

Here are some pictures taken by astronomers from various sources. The supernova itself is equally bright to the galaxy nucleus and make it relatively easy to observe, even over very long distance. Well just sit back and enjoy the stars, there will be more occasion waiting for you.