Why is Supernova 1987A particularly important to astronomers?
A)It is the nearest supernova to have occurred at a time when we were capable of studying it carefully with telescopes.
B)It was the first supernova detected in nearly 400 years.
C)It provided the first evidence that supernovae really occur.
D)It occurred only a few light-years from Earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Supernova 1987A is particularly important to astronomers because it is the nearest supernova to have occurred at a time when we were capable of studying it carefully with telescopes. Its close proximity allowed for detailed observations and measurements of the explosion and its aftermath, providing valuable insights into the physics of supernovae and the properties of the interstellar medium.

Why Is Supernova 1987A Particularly Important to Astronomers