SN 185

9,100

7 12 185

ESO 134-11; RCW 86

The Super Nova 185 (SN 185 ) was an observed in December of the year 185 supernova. She stepped close to Alpha Centauri between the constellations and Centaur Circle and reached an estimated Brightness -6 to -8 mag. The supernova was observed by Chinese astronomers 185 and is the oldest described supernova in history.

Historical Description

In the created in the 5th century Book of Later Han ( Hou Hanshu ), a chronicle of Chinese history 25-220 AD, is described in the Astrological Annals, as astronomers in the second year of Zhongping era of Emperor Han Lingdi in the Chinese constellation Nanmen the appearance of a "guest star " observed. This star was visible for several months, varying in color and eventually became fainter until it disappeared.

The appearance of the "guest star " could be dated on the basis of the Annals on 7 December 185, the disappearance of the phenomenon in the summer of the year 186 or 187 The constellation Nanmen (southern gate) is associated with the stars Alpha and Beta Centauri.

There is some debate among historians whether the event is also described in Roman literature. Possible references in ancient texts but do not go beyond the information provided by the Hou Hanshu.

Scientific review

The identification of the described Hou Hanshu "guest star " as a supernova has long been controversial. Other readings of Chinese text have been interpreted as the description of a comet or as the simultaneous appearance of a supernova with the observation of the comet Swift -Tuttle. As the Chinese astronomers have described but no movement of the new star, the interpretation is considered unlikely comet. The Super Nova 185 is the oldest documented supernova in history.

The late 1950s, the 8200 light years distant emission nebula RCW 86 was discovered, which was soon associated with the " guest star " from the year 185. Investigations confirmed that it is indeed supernova remnants in RCW 86; a more precise dating of the supernova whose remnants RCW represent 86, succeeded in 2006 with the help of the X-ray telescope Chandra and XMM -Newton space observatory. Thus, the observed remnant is about 1,800 years old, which agrees well with the age of the Release described in Hou Hanshu.