Image: Hubble views a galactic supernova site

This picture encompasses a comparatively small galaxy referred to as UGC 5189A, which is situated about 150 million light-years away within the constellation Leo. This galaxy was noticed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Area Telescope to check a supernova explosion in 2010 referred to as SN 2010jl. This specific supernova is notable as a result of it was an exceptionally luminous supernova occasion. In actual fact, over a interval of three years, SN 2010jl launched not less than 2.5 billion instances extra seen vitality than our sun emitted over the identical timeframe throughout all wavelengths.

Even after supernovae fade to non-observable ranges, it’s nonetheless fascinating to check the environments the place they occurred. Such research can present astronomers with useful data: supernovae can happen for quite a lot of causes and understanding the environments wherein they happen helps enhance our understanding of the circumstances that triggered them. Observe-up research after supernovae additionally enhance our understanding of the fast aftermath of such occasions—from their potent results on the fuel and dust round them, to the stellar remnants they depart behind.

Hubble has noticed UGC 5189A many instances since 2010. This picture is from information collected in three of the most recent Hubble research of UGC 5189A. These research additionally examined a number of different comparatively nearby galaxies that lately hosted supernovae—”comparatively close by,” on this context, means roughly 100 million light-years away.