When a star explodes as a supernova it can briefly shine as brightly as an entire galaxy. This image shows a supernova (arrowed) in a galaxy known as UGC 11683. Notice that its brightness compared to that of the galaxy. All of the other stars in the image are foreground stars that are located within our own galaxy.

This image was taken using the Palomar Observatory's 60-inch telescope as part of a long-term program to monitor supernovae.

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