Supernova 2012aw: the pictures!

Bad Astronomy
By Phil Plait
Mar 21, 2012 2:29 AMNov 20, 2019 2:10 AM

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Last night, I wrote about a possible new supernova in the galaxy M95, a nearby spiral. It has since been confirmed, and is called SN 2012aw. Given that M95 is about 37 or so million light years away -- close on a galactic scale -- that means this exploding star will be easy to see even with smaller telescopes. I asked folks if they could send me images, and send them they have! Here's one from Greek amateur astronomer Anthony Ayiomamitis, using a 30.5 cm (roughly 12") telescope -- and it's hot off the 'scope; as I write this he took this image just a couple of hours ago:

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