When a supernova last flared in our Milky Way galaxy — back in 1604, in Kepler’s time — humanity did not yet have telescopes to study it in detail. Therefore, modern astronomers often have to make do with studying only their remnants. These remnants provide an excellent view of the impact stellar explosions have on their surroundings. However, for a full analysis, scientists urgently need to know the exact time of the catastrophe itself.
Until now, ancient Chinese and Japanese chronicles had been the main sources helping with this task. But recently, an unexpected clue was found where no one had been looking for it — in classical Arabic poetry.
The Mystery of the Star IRAS 00500+6713
Historical sources report that in 1006 an extraordinarily bright supernova appeared in the sky and was seen by many people. However, there was another, less well-known event that occurred around 1181. Asian records pointed to a flare somewhere in the north. For a long time, astronomers tried to identify the remnant of this explosion. At first, one of the known pulsars was suspected, but it turned out to be too old.
Later, scientists turned their attention to a little-studied star called IRAS 00500+6713. It is surrounded by a nebula of gas and dust whose cosmic age is about one thousand years. However, doubts remained as to whether this system could have formed specifically after the 1181 outburst.
The Cosmic Scale of Political Flattery
A unique collaboration between astronomers and Arabic-language specialists helped solve this astronomical mystery. They carefully studied a poem by the Egyptian poet Ibn Sana al-Mulk, written in the 12th century in Cairo in honor of the prominent commander Saladin.
The text mentions a new star, whose appearance in the poem symbolized the ruler’s extraordinary greatness. Most interestingly, this star supposedly appeared in the constellation of the “Painted Hand” — an asterism consisting of five bright stars that corresponds to modern Cassiopeia. This perfectly matches the northern location of the supernova.
A Historical Detective Story
To scientifically confirm this hypothesis, researchers needed to date the poem precisely. The analysis showed that the panegyric praises both Saladin himself and his brother. This means that the work was recited in their joint presence — and the brothers were together in Egypt only during the period from 1181 to 1182. In addition, the lines mention the successful defense of Mecca against a Crusader advance, which took place in December 1181. Since Saladin left Egypt in May 1182, the poem must have been written within this narrow five-month window.
This remarkable historical coincidence gives astronomers an extremely precise dating of the event, based on a poem created purely for the purpose of political flattery. In addition, the discovery has enormous cultural value: it proves that the appearance of a bright supernova in the sky was such an important and widely known event for 12th-century society that it was discussed even at rulers’ courts. When the next supernova lights up our sky, we can only hope that we will be able to document it just as brilliantly.
Earlier, we shared interesting facts about supernovae.
According to skyatnightmagazine.com
