The last supernova visible to the naked eye in the Milky Way. Kepler measured no parallax in detail, further confirming that the heavens could change. Ming Dynasty histories describe it as "like Venus, reddish-yellow, with rays shooting out in four directions," visible for over a year. The court and public associated it with Emperor Wanli's neglect of governance and factional strife.
Account
The last supernova visible to the naked eye in the Milky Way. Kepler measured no parallax in detail, further confirming that the heavens could change. Ming Dynasty histories describe it as "like Venus, reddish-yellow, with rays shooting out in four directions," visible for over a year. The court and public associated it with Emperor Wanli's neglect of governance and factional strife.
Sources
- Kepler, De Stella Nova
- History of Ming, "Treatise on Astronomy"