Massive supernova visible from Earth - VIDEO

A rare supernova millions of light years away has become so bright it is visible from Earth with just a pair of binoculars.

Amateur star-gazers will be able to witness the most visible exploding star since 1954 in skies above Britain this week.

The cosmic event is one of the closest stellar explosions to Earth since 1987, and is the nearest example of its type to be seen from Earth in 40 years.

The exploding star, named PTF-11kly, is predicted to reach its brightest between September 9 and 12 and will visible in clear skies all over Britain.

Supernovae can help scientists measure the size and age of the universe and a team of scientists at Oxford University are tracking the explosion using the Hubble Space Telescope.

Dr Mark Sullivan, the astrophysicist leading the Oxford team examining the supernova said: "This is accessible to anyone with a decent pair of binoculars. For many it could be a once in a lifetime chance to see a supernova blossom and then fade before their eyes. We may not see another like it for over 100 years."

It will appear blueish-white just above and to the left of the last two stars in the Plough in the Ursa Major constellation.

Observers are advised to stay away from street lights for maximum visibility.


/The Telegraph/

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