Supernova 2026kid Reaches Earth After Millions of Years, Brightening in NGC 5907
Updated
Updated · Science@NASA · Jul 29
Supernova 2026kid Reaches Earth After Millions of Years, Brightening in NGC 5907
1 articles · Updated · Science@NASA · Jul 29
Summary
Light from Supernova 2026kid reached Earth last week after traveling for tens of millions of years from the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 5907.
A three-night time-lapse dated May 7, 2026 shows the supernova appearing and growing brighter in the galaxy, with occasional satellite streaks crossing the frame.
NGC 5907’s edge-on disk likely makes 2026kid look relatively dim even though supernovas at peak brightness can outshine all other stars in their host galaxy combined.
Such explosions occur about once per century in Milky Way-like galaxies and can take months to fade, placing 2026kid in a rare but recurring class of stellar deaths.