Amateur Astronomer Makes First-of-its-Kind Supernova Discovery

March 2018  :  Francine Jackson

Although several of us are professional astronomers, all members of Skyscrapers, Inc., are there because of a love of the sky. Whether it’s spending time at a telescope, or just enjoying the beauty of the night, we all share the love of the night – and often day – sky. There is also a unique bond that amateur astronomers have that isn’t as notable in other science disciplines: The possibility to make a significant discovery.

Such is the case of self-taught amateur Victor Buso, of Argentina. Using a 40-centimeter telescope on his rooftop observatory, Buso became the first person ever to observe the “shock breakout” phase of a supernova, when a wave of energy seems to roll from a star’s core to its outer portion just before the actual explosion. Previously, astronomers had to depend on computer models to assume the occurrence. Buso, testing a new camera on his telescope, aimed his instrument at NGC 613, a galaxy in Sculptor, and caught what no one had ever found: the light at the birth of a supernova.

Like many of us, Buso just fell in love with the science at a very early age, but took up locksmithing, keeping astronomy as a late-night enjoyment. It was the night of September 20th, 2016 when he saw a point of light that didn’t appear on any of his star charts. He wanted to show this to professionals in his country, but, as can happen, they were all away at a conference. After showing his work to another amateur friend of his, who confirmed the discovery, Buso did soon inform scientists from his country, who quickly set about training professional equipment on the galactic find.

Buso is a true example of a person who fell in love with astronomy but kept it at the amateur level; however, he made a discovery incredibly important in the study of supernova birth. Although not a common happening, discoveries of this type have been known before. By just enjoying the beauty of the sky, Buso increased its knowledge. And, although it might not be something that could happen to any of us, there is always the possibility that someone at Skyscrapers, Inc., can also add to the richness of the science we all love best.