Supernova Rates and Historical Supernovas
Supernova Rates
Supernovas are rare. There have only been six "observed"
in our Galaxy over the last 2,000 years
(these are referred to as
Historical Supernovas).
The best guess as to their rate of
occurence is 1 per 25 to 100 years in normal galaxies
(based on studies of other galaxies).
The supernova rate for the Milky Way galaxy for the
last 2,000 years has been much lower.
A conclusion is that we may be due for a nearby (galactic)
supernova.
Historical Supernovas
Historical Supernova means a supernova which was
visible with the unaided eye ===> the supernova occurred nearby.
