Appointment with the brightest supernova of the last ten years: it is called SN 2023ixf and is so spectacular that it can be observed even with a small amateur telescope. "The small galaxy that hosts it, called Messier 101 and really beautiful, is 21 million light years away and the supernova, although discounting that distance, remains accessible with small instruments, such as telescopes with a diameter of 150 millimeters, very common among amateurs, which allow you to see it even from the city", says astrophysicist Gianluca Masi, scientific director of the Virtual Telescope.
Many supernovae are discovered every year, but it is very rare to find one that is visible with a small telescope. To observe SN 2023ixf, Masi says, the telescopes will have to be pointed "not far from the zenith, not far from the rudder of the Big Dipper". For the astrophysicist "it is a precious opportunity to witness the final stages of the death of a star of great mass, a dramatic and spectacular event". Those who do not have a small telescope available, can still follow the observation in the live broadcast organized by the Virtual Telescope on May 25, at midnight, and streamed by the ANSA Science and Technology channel.
Appointment with the brightest supernova of the last 10 years LIVE
2023-05-25T20:10:19.392Z
Highlights: SN 2023ixf is the brightest supernova of the last ten years. It is so spectacular that it can be observed with a small amateur telescope. Those who do not have a small telescope can still follow the observation in the live broadcast on May 25, at midnight, and streamed by the ANSA Science and Technology channel. For the astrophysicist "it is a precious opportunity to witness the final stages of the death of a star of great mass, a dramatic and spectacular event", says Gianluca Masi.
Appointment with the brightest supernova of the last ten years: it is called SN 2023ixf and is so spectacular that it can also be observed with a small amateur telescope (ANSA)
