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Supernova Viewing Draws 500+

by Becky Tucker

On Friday, September 9th, the Caltech Astronomy Outreach team hosted a supernova viewing event. The enthusiastic response of the Caltech and local community caught the staff and students by surprise. Though they were able to accomodate more than 150 people that night, hundreds more were turned away due to space and safety limitations. In order to allow those who were turned away to see the supernova, the dedicated Astronomy Outreach Team offered to show up every night for the rest of the week to hold viewings, thus turning a one night event into a week-long event.

The supernova, PTF11kyl, is the nearest Type 1a supernova seen in decades. It is located in spiral galaxy M101, which at 25 million light years away, is practically in our backyard. Astronomers first noticed the supernova brightening on the nights of August 22, 23, and 24. The supernova was never visible with the naked eye.

Below is a color image of the supernova from the Faulkes North telescope on Haleakala.

More photos of the supernova viewing