Key Points: Date: May 18, 2023 Location: Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101), constellation Ursa Major Distance: Approximately 22 million light-years Designation: SN 2023ixf (official name) Type: Type II (core-collapse of a massive star) supernova (8-50 times the Sun's mass). Discovery: Not directly by Fermi mission, but observed by astronomers soon after Significance: Most luminous nearby supernova discovered since Fermi's launch in 2008 A Stellar Spectacle On May 18, 2023, astronomers witnessed a spectacular event in the nearby Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101). A brilliant supernova, designated SN 2023ixf, erupted within this majestic spiral galaxy, captivating space enthusiasts worldwide. While not directly discovered by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, astronomers were quick to observe the event due to its exceptional brightness. A Star's Fiery End SN 2023ixf represents the death throes of a massive star. Classified as a Type II supernova, it signifies the core-collapse of...
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