[meteorite-list] Super Nova

[George Blahun Jr]

Richard:
      What they discovered were the "remains" of a supernova whose  
supernova light reached us about 140 years ago.  The 140 year  
calculation was based on the area of expansion of the material around  
the remnant.  On average, we should experience about 3 supernovae per  
century, according to current estimates.  We have seen many supernovae  
in other galaxies, but until this "most current" one was discovered,  
the last one occurred in the mid 1600s about the time of Isaac  
Newton.  You are of course correct, the light which is currently  
hitting astronomers eyes has been traveling thousands of years.  I  
hope this clarifies, rather than confuses the issue.

George