SN 2011fe

SN 2011fe is a supernova that was discovered in 2011 in the Pinwheel Galaxy. It’s a type Ia supernova, occurring when a white dwarf star accumulates material from a companion and reaches a critical mass, causing a thermonuclear explosion. This event is important because type Ia supernovae serve as "standard candles" to measure cosmic distances. SN 2011fe was especially significant because it was close enough for detailed observations, helping astronomers better understand the explosion process and improve measurements of the universe’s expansion.