Science

Stunning Supernova SN 2025bvm Illuminates NGC 4156 Galaxy

2025-04-22

Author: Li

A Celestial Spectacle Unveiled

Prepare to be mesmerized! We captured yet another breathtaking image of supernova SN 2025bvm, showcased amid the dazzling backdrop of the magnificent galaxy NGC 4151.

Incredible Imaging Technology

This stunning image is crafted from six unguided exposures, each lasting 300 seconds, taken remotely with the sophisticated ‘Elena’ setup—a PlaneWave 17” telescope paired with a Paramount MEII mount and an SBIG STL-6303E camera, courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project in Manciano, Italy. Look closely, and you’ll spot SN 2025bvm indicated by an arrow in the top left corner.

A Stellar Discovery

With a brightness of approximately magnitude 16.7, as referenced by stars from the Gaia DR2 catalog, SN 2025bvm is a Type Ia supernova that made its remarkable debut on February 17, 2025.

Exploring the Host Galaxy NGC 4156

This explosive phenomenon resides within NGC 4156, a mesmerizing barred spiral galaxy known for its active galactic nucleus (AGN), harboring a supermassive black hole at its core—a mere 300 million light-years away.

The Enigmatic NGC 4151

But that’s not all! Just to the upper right of NGC 4156 lies NGC 4151, another active galaxy that intrigues astronomers and is located only about 50 million light-years from Earth. Dubbed the ‘Eye of Sauron,’ this captivating galaxy showcases faint, sprawling arms encircling a prominent ring structure.

Mysteries Await in the Cosmos

Adjacent to NGC 4156, we observe SDSS J121049.13+393027.2, also situated around 300 million light-years away. An intriguing faint ‘tail’ stretches in the northern direction, likely the result of tidal interactions—a phenomenon we plan to explore further in upcoming imaging efforts.

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