Telescope captures double blast (BBC) {Two supernovae caught by SA amateur!}

[eppur_se_muova]

Two stars have been seen to explode within months of each other in the same galaxy by the Swift telescope.

The galaxy, known as NGC 1316, has now hosted four supernovae in 26 years, making it one of the most prodigious known producers of these events.

The explosions were both initially detected from the ground by a South African amateur astronomer.
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The first supernova, still visible on the "right" in this image, was detected on 19 June and was named SN 2006dd.

The second supernova, on the immediate "left" in the image, was detected on 5 November and has been named SN 2006mr.


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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6172630.stm
also http://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/swift/swiftsc.html

[hobbit709]

1. Interesting eom

[NMDemDist2]

2. very cool! my DH is an amateur astronomer

they find all the good stuff

[Hand]

3. Man! NGC 1316 is the place to party!

This moment of shallowness brought to you by MTV. We now return to your regularly scheduled programming. :rofl:

[YankeyMCC]

4. Anyone in that neighborhood is screwn!

Seriously though, that is astounding.