Earlier this January a (relatively) nearby supernova has been discovered. The exploding star in M82 (Cigar galaxy) is at a distance of 12 million lightyears and very bright at magnitude 10.5, so visible through moderate-sized telescopes. SN2014J is one of the closest supernovae seen for decades. It is the closest type Ia supernova since 1972, and the closest supernova of any type since 2004.
In this picture I also added some H-alpha frames to accentuate the reddish active starburst region in M82’s core.
Telescope: Astrosib RC250 @ f/6 f=1500mm
Camera: QHY9
Mount: Mesumount 2
Guiding: OAG with Lodestar
Exposure: 11x10min L + (10x20minHa + 6x10minR) R + 6x10min G + 6x10min B
Date: February 2nd & 3rd, 2014
Location: Overijse, Belgium
Bart Delsaert - Astrophotography 