Dazzling Image of Supernova in The Pinwheel Galaxy | Gemini North Telescope

Dazzling Image of Supernova in The Pinwheel Galaxy | Gemini North Telescope

Gemini North, part of the International Gemini Observatory operated by the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab, is back observing the night sky following the repair and refurbishment of its primary mirror. The telescope’s debut observation captured the supernova dubbed SN 2023ixf (lower left), which was discovered on May 19, 2023, by Japanese astronomer Koichi Itagaki. This dazzling point of light, the closest supernova seen in the past five years, is located along one of the spiral arms of the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101). 

Distance: 23 million light years

Credits: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA

Image Processing: J. Miller (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Rodriguez (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF’s NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF’s NOIRLab) & D. de Martin (NSF’s NOIRLab).

Release Date: June 7, 2023

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