NGC 3239 and SN 2012A
Posted in Astronomy at 23:00 on 30 January 2012
Astronomy Picture of the Day for 27/1/12, NGC 3239 is an irregular galaxy, probably formed as the result of two galaxies merging.
NGC 3239 is 25 million light years away. The bright object in the centre of the frame is a (much closer) star in our galaxy.
NGC 3239 contains the year’s first supernova, designated 2012A, arrowed – > < – in the photo. The light from it is of course 25 million years old.
There is also a lovely galaxy to the bottom right of the frame.
Tags: Astronomy, Astronomy Picture of the Day, NGC 3239, SN 2012A
