SN 185

Supernova
name = Supernova SN 185


caption = RCW 86, probable remnant of SN 185
epoch = J2000
type = Type Ia?
SNRtype = Shell
host = Milky Way
constellation = Circinus and Centaurus
ra = RA|14|43
dec = DEC|−62|30
gal = G315.4−2.3
discovery = December 7, 185
iauc =
mag_v = −8?
distance = convert|1|kpc|kly|abbr=off|lk=on
notes = Ancient records of SN 185
may be the earliest written
description of a supernova.

SN 185 was a supernova which appeared in the year 185, near the direction of Alpha Centauri, between the constellations Circinus and Centaurus. This "guest star" was observed by Chinese astronomers in the "Book of Later Han", [cite journal | author = Fu-Yuan Zhao, R. G. Strom, Shi-Yang Jiang | title=The Guest Star of AD185 Must Have Been a Supernova | journal=Chinese Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics | year=2006 | volume=6 | issue=5 | pages=635–640 | doi=10.1088/1009-9271/6/5/17 ] and may have been recorded in Romanliterature. [cite journal | last = Stothers | first = Richard | title=Is the Supernova of CE 185 Recorded in Ancient Roman Literature | journal=Isis | year=1977 | volume=68 | issue=3 | pages=443–447 | url=http://www.jstor.org/pss/231322 | accessdate= | doi=10.1086/351822 ] It remained visible in the night sky for eight months. This is believed to have been the first supernova recorded by humankind.

The gaseous shell RCW 86 is suspected as being the supernova remnant of this event. The distance to this object is estimated to 1 kpc. Recent X-ray studies show a good match for the expected age. [cite news | title=New evidence links stellar remains to oldest recorded supernova | publisher=ESA News | date=2006-09-18 | url=http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMGE58LURE_index_0.html | accessdate=2006-05-24 ]

References