Night sky spectacular as brightest supernova for 57 years hits its peak tonight
@N۞۞P Adiparambil
Night sky spectacular as brightest supernova for 57 years hits its peak tonight
There will be something special in the night sky tonight – as a star explodes millions of light years away from us.
Astronomers predict we will be able to glimpse the brightest supernova since 1954.
The exploding star will be visible all over Britain if there is a clear sky, and enthusiasts are recommended to find their binoculars and choose a spot away from street lights to view it.
Spectacle: A supernova is when a dying star expels gas, radiation and dust into space at incredible speeds
Light pollution: Stargazers will be able to see the phenomenon in clear skies, away from street light
The spectacle is caused as the disintegrating star hurls untold amounts of radiation and dust into space at incredible speeds.
It is visible because the star is in a galaxy relatively close to our own Milky Way – a mere 21million light years away.
Scientists at Oxford University spotted it through the powerful Hubble Telescope on August 24 but it is now at its maximum brightness.
After a couple of days it will fade away and be visible only with a telescope until around mid-October. The best way to spot it is in the first few hours after nightfall, by looking east of the ‘handle’ of The Plough constellation.
Maximum brightness: After a couple of days the supernova will fade away and will be visible only with a telescope until around mid-October
Dr Mark Sullivan, the astrophysicist leading the Oxford team examining the supernova, said: ‘This is accessible to anyone with a decent pair of binoculars. For many it could be a once in a lifetime chance to see a supernova blossom and then fade before their eyes.
‘We may not see another like it for perhaps over 100 years.’
Scientists study supernovas as they help to reveal how the universe continues to expand.
'Once-in-a-lifetime chance': This is accessible to anyone with a decent pair of binoculars
