Supernova of 185 (SN 185)
Supernova de 185
- Date
- 185 CE · confidence high
- Place
- Luoyang, Henan, China
- Credited to
- Han court astronomers (Hou Hanshu)
- Field
- Cosmos & Earth
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What was discovered
A guest star visible for eight months near Alpha Centauri, identified with the remnant RCW 86. It is the oldest supernova recorded with sufficient precision to be identified.
Some authors propose it was a comet; the association with RCW 86 is supported by the remnant's estimated age.
What it led to
- identification of supernova remnants using historical records
- study of the evolution of young remnants