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Since 1986 a Supernova occure currently in M101 which may can be seen with the naked eye. The current light magnitude is between 9-10 mag*

M101 is situated in Ursa Maior and has a distance of 21 million light years from us. In the astronomical scheme of things, it is nearly in the neightbourhood.

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*mag  = > light magnitude: Up to mag +3-4 stars are visible nearby cities with the naked eye, in very dark areas the seeing limit can reach up to mag +6-7.

The more higher numerical value is given, the more weaker are the objects. E.g. - 4,7 mag, Venus glittering; - 1,0 Sirius, brightest star; +3,5 M31 Andromeda, pale shiny oval)

 

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Further Links

     astronomie.de 

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All Deep Sky observations