Supernova SN2020jfo in Messier 61

Two images taken about a year apart with the COAST Telescope - credits : telescope.org - Open University  and Pip Stakkert at the Jodrell Plank Observatory

" Messier 61, also known as the Fireworks galaxy, is a member of the Virgo group of galaxies and a galaxy that displays active star formation. To date eight supernovae have been observed in Messier 61. This is a type 11 supernova which involves the sudden and cataclysmic collapse of a supergiant star. When this star ran out of gas to fuse and with no heat and pressure at its core to balance the almighty crush of gravity, the star imploded. The infalling matter rebounded from the core, created a shock wave which blew the star apart in an explosion 100 million times brighter than our sun! Messier 61 is over 52 million light years distant but even at this vast distance this enormous explosion can be seen with a relatively small telescope" - Kurt Thrust  acting CEO and current director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.