 Infrared images from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and WISE are combined with X-ray data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's XMM-Newton Observatory in this image of RCW 86. | |
| Event type | Supernova |
|---|---|
| Type Ia? | |
| Date | c. 8,900 BC (discovered 7 December 185) |
| Constellation | Circinus and Centaurus |
| Right ascension | 14h 43m |
| Declination | −62° 30′ |
| Epoch | J2000 |
| Galactic coordinates | G315.4−2.3 |
| Distance | c. 9,100 ly |
| Remnant | Shell |
| Host | Milky Way |
| Notable features | Ancient records of SN 185 may be the earliest written description of a supernova. |
| Peak apparent magnitude | "as much as -8"[1] |
| Other designations | SN 185, SNR G315.0-02.3, SNR G315.4-02.3, 1ES 1436-62.4, 1RXS J144254.3-622815, 3FHL J1443.0-6227e, AJG 27, 3A 1438-626, GPS 1438-624, MSH 14-6-03, 2FHL J1443.2-6221e |
| Followed by | SN 386 |
SN 185 was a transient astronomical event observed in 185 AD, likely a supernova. The transient occurred in the direction of Alpha Centauri, between the constellations Circinus and Centaurus, centered at RA 14h 43m Dec −62° 30′, in Circinus. This "guest star" was observed by Chinese astronomers in the Book of Later Han (后汉书),[2] and might have been recorded in Roman literature.[1] It remained visible in the night sky for eight months. This is believed to be the first supernova for which records exist.
- ^ a b Stothers, Richard (1977). "Is the Supernova of A.D. 185 Recorded in Ancient Roman Literature?". Isis. 68 (3): 443–447. doi:10.1086/351822. JSTOR 231322. S2CID 145250371.
- ^ Zhao FY; Strom RG; Jiang SY (2006). "The Guest Star of AD185 Must Have Been a Supernova". Chinese Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics. 6 (5): 635–40. Bibcode:2006ChJAA...6..635Z. doi:10.1088/1009-9271/6/5/17.