Video of a New Supernova in M95

Posted by Brian Ventrudo

The “discovery of the month” in March is the new supernova in the nearby galaxy M95 in the constellation Leo. Now listed as supernova 2012aw, the exploding star was discovered on March 16, and has been imaged by professional and backyard astronomers all over the world.

Supernova 2012 aw is a Type II supernova, which is caused by the sudden collapse of the core of a massive star which finally lost the battle between gravity and radiation pressure…

The supernova in M95 is about 37 million light years away, fairly close for a galaxy. Backyard astrophotographers have already imaged the exploding star, and you might see the supernova visually with a 10″ or larger scope. It’s located about 60″ west and 115″ south of the centre of the galaxy.

This video, and the image above, were taken at the Mount Lemmon observatory by Adam Block.

Here’s a map to help you find M95 in the southern reaches of the constellation Leo…

M95, location of supernova 2012aw, in the constellation Leo (click to enlarge)