Supernova 2023ixf is a stellar outburst in the galaxy M101 (known as the "Pinwheel"), and is the closest supernova to Earth in the last ten years. The object was discovered by amateur astronomer Koichi Itagaki on May 19, 2023.
Discovery and characteristics
- Discovery date: May 19, 2023.
- Initial brightness: +14.9 mag.
- Current brightness: increased to +11.9 mag by May 21, with a tendency to increase further. Peak brightness expected between May 28–30, 2023.
- Type: Type II supernova, indicating the core collapse of a massive star.
Galaxy M101
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Name: "Pinwheel".
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Distance from Earth: about 21 million light years.
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Previously recorded supernovae:
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SN 1909A
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SN 1951H
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SN 1970G
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SN 2011fe (the previous outburst was observed in 2011).
Scientific significance
Supernova 2023ixf provides a rare opportunity to study the processes of stellar evolution and the collapse of massive stars on a near-scale. Due to its proximity to Earth, it allows astronomers to observe in detail the development of the outburst and its aftermath. An outburst of this scale in the galaxy M101 highlights the importance of observations by both professional and amateur astronomers.
Visibility chart of Supernova 2023ixf in the galaxy M101 during the day
| Date | Moon Phase | Exposure | CCD Temperature | Gain | Offset | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- 2023ixf•
- 40 Eri•
- Abell 74•
- Artemis A868 SA•
- a Canis Minoris•
- C 2020 R4 ATLAS•
- C 2020 T2 Palomar•
- C 2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)•
- Haumea (2003 EL61)•
- HCG 68•
- HCG 92•
- IC 1318B•
- IC 1396•
- IC 1795•
- IC 1805•
- IC 1848•
- IC 1871•
- IC 3322A•
- IC 342•
- IC 4015•
- IC 405•
- IC 417•
- IC 434•
- IC 443•
- IC 4703•
- IC 5070•
- IC 5146•
- IC 63•
- M 1•
- M 101•
- M 103•
- M 109•
- M 13•
- M 15•
- M 27•
- M 3•
- M 33•
- M 42•
- M 45•
- M 5•
- M 51•
- M 57•
- M 63•
- M 64•
- M 74•
- M 76•
- M 81•
- M 82•
- M 86•
- M 87•
- M 94•
- M 97•
- NGC 147•
- NGC 1491•
- NGC 1499•
- NGC 1579•
- NGC 1961•
- NGC 2146•
- NGC 2239•
- NGC 2403•
- NGC 281•
- NGC 4236•
- NGC 4565•
- NGC 4631•
- NGC 507•
- NGC 508•
- NGC 5866•
- NGC 5907•
- NGC 6503•
- NGC 6823•
- NGC 6888•
- NGC 6946•
- NGC 6992•
- NGC 6995•
- NGC 7000•
- NGC 7023•
- NGC 7129•
- NGC 7217•
- NGC 7331•
- NGC 7380•
- NGC 7538•
- NGC 7635•
- NGC 7640•
- NGC 7822•
- NGC 891•
- NGC 896•
- NGC 925•
- PGC 54559•
- Sh2-155•
- Sh2-168•
- Sh2 103•
- Sh2 109•
- Sh2 132•
- T CrB•
- UGC 6930•
- V1405 Cas•
- Vesta A807 FA•