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After repairing and recoating the Gemini North Observatory’s 8-metre (26-foot) main mirror, astronomers centered on the Pinwheel galaxy, aka M101, and had been delighted to see a sharply centered picture of SN 2023ixf, a Kind II supernova found in one of many galaxy’s spiral arms on 19 Might by a Japanese astronomer. Positioned 21 million gentle years from Earth close to the deal with of the Large Dipper, SN 2023ixf is the closest noticed supernova within the final 5 years. The Gemini North picture is a welcome demonstration that the NOIRLab-operated observatory is again in motion after standing down for seven months to restore slight harm to the first mirror’s periphery whereas being moved previous to recoating.
“That the mirror restore was profitable is evidenced on this gorgeous picture of Messier 101 and SN 2023ixf,” NOIRLab stated in an announcement. “Not solely is Gemini North a robust discovery software, with its 8-metre mirror and distinctive spectroscopic capabilities, nevertheless it’s additionally situated at a major vantage level within the northern hemisphere, on Maunakea in Hawai‘i, giving it an distinctive view of Messier 101.”
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