Star exploding 45M light-years away: How to watch
What's the story
A rare astronomical event, the supernova SN 2026aaiv, has been discovered in the spiral galaxy NGC 7331 (Caldwell 30). The ATLAS survey first detected this stellar explosion on September 1. The galaxy lies about 45 million light-years away in the Pegasus constellation and is visible from both hemispheres. This makes it an ideal target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers around the globe.
Imaging efforts
Numerous astrophotographers have already captured the event
Since its discovery, SN 2026aaiv has been photographed by numerous astrophotographers.
Andrew McCarthy shared his image on Instagram on September 7, saying he "happened to be in the middle of a massive project with this galaxy" when he captured the supernova.
Tom Masterson, Mountain Operations Manager at the Mount Wilson Observatory, also captured the event using a 60-inch telescope on September 10.
Viewing tips
You can view SN 2026aaiv with a smaller telescope
Despite its dimness at magnitude 15.7 on September 11, SN 2026aaiv is still brightening.
While many of the online images were taken using large professional or remote telescopes in dark areas, you can also view and photograph SN 2026aaiv with smaller telescopes.
A large telescope is recommended for viewing this supernova (observations confirm it can be seen using a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope).
Technological aid
Smart telescopes can quickly find and image the host galaxy
The easiest way to spot SN 2026aaiv is by using a smart telescope, which can quickly find and image the host galaxy NGC 7331.
Users of the Seestar S50 have successfully imaged SN 2026aaiv with about two hours of 10-second exposures in default mode.
The coordinates for SN 2026aaiv are RA 22h37m05.618s, Dec +34°24'35.37'.'
Galaxy details
About NGC 7331
Discovered by British astronomer William Herschel in 1784, NGC 7331 is similar in size, shape, and mass to our Milky Way.
The galaxy has spectacular spiral arms that swirl around a bright central region.
However, due to light pollution, only the central core of the galaxy can be seen from light-polluted skies.