Unique Supernova Remnant Unearthed by Amateur Astronomer
Amateur astronomer Dana Patchick discovered a unique supernova remnant, named PA 30, in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Initially thought to be a planetary nebula, professional astronomers later realized it was the remnant of a supernova observed in 1181. This supernova, known as SN 1181, is one of less than a dozen suspected supernovae in recorded history prior to modern astronomy. Further study revealed that PA 30 is an exceptionally rare type of supernova known as a SN Type Iax, caused by the merger of two white dwarfs. Historical records and observations support the association of PA 30 with SN 1181, making it the fifth supernova remnant positively associated with an observation of a supernova in our galaxy.