Super Novae in NGC 7331

A Super Nova has not been experienced in our Milky Way galaxy since 1604.  Based on the averages reported by NASA of 2 – 4 per century, we are overdue.  However, we have been treated to not one, but two Super Nova in the last 14 months in a nearby (nearby in cosmic terms) galaxy, NGC 7331.

NGC stands for New General Catalog.  This is a catalog of deep space objects first introduced in 1888 by John Louis Emil Dreyer.  NGC 7331 sits roughly 44 million light years from earth give or take 8.8 million light years.  NGC 7331 is the closest galaxy in a group of galaxies called the Deer Lick group.  It is similar in size but not necessarily shape to our Mikey Way galaxy.

In July of 2025, astronomers discovered a super nova in NGC 7331.  This super nova was cataloged as SN 2025rbs.  Then again in September of 2026, another super nova was discovered in NGC 7331 and was cataloged as SN 2026aaiv.  Because NGC 7331 is relatively close, it allows amateur astronomers to experience and even image these events.  Below, are images of NGC 7331 prior to either super nova and an image of each of these super nova events. 

We hope you enjoy the information and the images.

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