It is NGC 5861, an intermediate spiral galaxy because it has a shape located between that of a barred spiral galaxy, such as the Milky Way, one that appears to have a central bar-shaped structure, and that of a spiral galaxy without a bar central.
Also known as LEDA 54097 or AGC 550017, this galaxy has been captured by the NASA / ESA Hubble Space Telescope. And, astronomers have found, two supernovae, SN1971D and SN2017erp, have been observed in this galaxy.
This galaxy, located about 85 million light years away from Earth, in the constellation of Libra, is the most prominent member of a small group of galaxies, including the elliptical galaxy NGC 5858.
Two supernova explosions were observed in NGC 5861: SN 1971D on February 24, 1971 and SN 2017erp on June 13, 2017.
"Supernovae are powerful and luminous explosions that can illuminate the night sky," recall NASA experts. "The brightest supernova ever recorded was possibly SN 1006. It shone 16 times brighter than Venus from April 30 to May 1, 1006 CE."
Reference: ESA / Hubble & NASA
