SN 1054
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SN 1054 is a supernova that was first observed on c. 10 July [O.S. c. 4 July] 1054, and remained visible until c. 12 April [O.S. c. 6 April] 1056.α
Giant picture mosaic of the Crab Nebula, the remnants of SN 1054, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in visible light. Credit: NASA/ESA.
The guest star reported by Chinese astronomers in 1054 is identified as SN 1054. The highlighted passages refer to the supernova.
Holy Roman Emperor Henry III before Tivoli pointing up at a new star.
Chaco Canyon petroglyph proposed to represent SN 1054 and the moon
Supernova
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A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion of a star. A supernova occurs during the last evolutionary stages of a massive star, or when a white dwarf is triggered into runaway nuclear fusion. The original object, called the progenitor, either collapses to a neutron star or black hole, or is completely destroyed to form a diffuse nebula. The peak optical luminosity of a supernova can be comparable to that of an entire galaxy before fading over several weeks or months.
SN 1994D (bright spot on the lower left), a type Ia supernova within its host galaxy, NGC 4526
The Crab Nebula is a pulsar wind nebula associated with the 1054 supernova.
A 1414 text cites a 1055 report: since "the baleful star appeared, a full year has passed and until now its brilliance has not faded".
2015 supernova in galaxy cluster RXC J0949.8+1707. In 2011, two supernovae were observed in the same face-on spiral galaxy.