Supernova
S Andromedae (SN 1885A)
The first supernova observed outside the Milky Way
A supernova that flared in 1885 just 16 arcseconds from Andromeda's centre, almost visible to the naked eye (magnitude 5.8). In 1988 Hubble found its remnant as a dark cloud of iron silhouetted against Andromeda's bulge.
| Type | Supernova |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Andromeda |
| Host galaxy | Andromeda (M31) |
| Explosion | 20 August 1885 |
| Peak magnitude | 5,8 |
| Type | Ia (subluminous) |
| Remnant | Iron-rich, ~13,000 km/s |
| Right ascension (J2000) | 0h 42m 43.1s |
| Declination (J2000) | +41° 16′ 04″ |
In the sky
Visible from the whole Northern Hemisphere and south to latitude 49° S. North of latitude 49° N it never sets. It stands highest at midnight in September, the best time to observe it.