SN 2023ixf: The Closest Supernova of the Decade

Abstract

Supernova 2023ixf occurred on 18 May 2023 in the nearby galaxy Messier 101 (D≈6.85 Mpc), making it the closest supernova in the last decade. Following its discovery, astronomers around the world rushed to observe the explosion across the electromagnetic spectrum in order to uncover its early-time properties. Based on multi-wavelength analysis during its first year after explosion, Supernova 2023ixf is a type II supernova that interacted with dense, confined circumstellar material in its local environment—this material being lost from its red supergiant progenitor in the final years before explosion. In this article, we will review the findings of >80 studies already published on this incredible event and explore how the synthesis of SN 2023ixf observations across the electromagnetic spectrum can be used to constrain type II supernova explosion physics in addition to the uncertain mass loss histories of red supergiant stars in their final years.

Keywords

• supernova
• circumstellar material
• red supergiant star
• mass loss
• spectroscopy
• optical