SN 2026aaiv Type 1a Supernova in Galaxy NGC 7331

The above image is a compilation of data obtained at the JPO using the Seestar S30 in EQ mode. 30 minute stack of 1minute exposures with the infra-red filter. Credit: Kurt Thrust.

" The JPO Team was pleased to capture the recently discovered Type 1a Supernova in the Galaxy NGC 7331 which was shining at approximately apparent mag 13.5. In reality and at peak, the absolute magnitude of a Type 1a Supernova is mag -19.3. As a guide our Sun's absolute mag is 4.8 (the scale is logarithmic and - denotes brighter than zero mag. Absolute magnitude is a common standard based upon how bright an object is if  placed at a standard distance of 10 parsecs where one parsec =32.6 light years). 

Galaxy NGC 7331 is 44 million Light Years distant and can be found in the Constellation Pegasus. It is mind blowing when considering the distances involved and the amount of energy released by the supernova. The above image was captured two nights ago on the 8th of August 2026, when the Supernova was more luminous than the combined output from the millions of stars at the galaxy's core. All typical Type 1a Supernova have the same absolute luminosity and consequently Type 1a Supernova are used as 'standard candles' in judging the vast distances to other galaxies. A Type 1a Supernova is estimated to generate 10^42 joules of energy, which is equivalent to the amount of energy the Sun will output over 10 billion years. The radioactive decay of nickel-56 and cobalt-56 powers the emission in visible light totalling approximately 10^49 ergs.

As the Galaxy is 44 million light years away (416272140793522000000 km), the photons of light energy, which our Seestar sensor collects, allow us to see a Supernova, which occurred 44 million years ago, as a live event. However, from the perspective of the photon travelling at light speed in a vacuum the journey is virtually instantaneous". - Joel Cairo CEO of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.

Enlarged  view showing SN 2026aaiv shining below and to the left of the less luminous galactic core. Image Credit: Pip Stakkert.

" We tried to obtain a low resolution spectrum from the Supernova using the Seestar and 'add on' diffraction transmission gratings' manufactured by our engineer, Jolene McSquint- Fleming. Unfortunately, a combination of issues associated with object low apparent luminosity and the shortness of sensor exposure times rendered our attempts unsuccessful. Further experimentation is underway on Jolene's bench". - Kurt Thrust current Director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.