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| Supernova SN 185 | |
 RCW 86, probable remnant of SN 185 |
|
| Observation data (Epoch J2000) | |
|---|---|
| Supernova type | Type Ia? |
| Remnant type | Shell |
| Host Galaxy | Milky Way |
| Constellation | Circinus and Centaurus |
| Right ascension | 14h 43m |
| Declination | −62° 30′ |
| Galactic coordinates | G315.4−2.3 |
| Discovery Date | December 7, 185 |
| Peak magnitude (V) | −8? |
| Distance | 1 kiloparsec (3.3 kly) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Progenitor | ? |
| Progenitor type | ? |
| Colour (B-V) | ? |
| Notable features | Ancient records of SN 185 may be the earliest written description of a supernova. |
SN 185 was a supernova which appeared in the year 185, near the direction of Alpha Centauri, between the constellations Circinus and Centaurus. This "guest star" was observed by Chinese astronomers in the Book of Later Han,1 and may have been recorded in Roman literature.2 It remained visible in the night sky for eight months. This is believed to have been the first supernova recorded by humankind.
The gaseous shell RCW 86 is suspected as being the supernova remnant of this event. The distance to this object is estimated to 1 kpc. Recent X-ray studies show a good match for the expected age.3
References
- ^ Fu-Yuan Zhao, R. G. Strom, Shi-Yang Jiang (2006). "The Guest Star of AD185 Must Have Been a Supernova". Chinese Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics 6 (5): 635–640. doi:.
- ^ Stothers, Richard (1977). "Is the Supernova of CE 185 Recorded in Ancient Roman Literature". Isis 68 (3): 443–447. doi:, http://www.jstor.org/pss/231322.
- ^ "New evidence links stellar remains to oldest recorded supernova", ESA News (2006-09-18). Retrieved on 24 May 2006.
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 12 November 2008, at 03:58.
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