Supernovae

Supernovae (SN) are massive exploding giant stars, existing either as a single star or a binary system. They are so bright that they can collectively outshine all the stars in their host galaxy. What happens after the explosion of a SN, depends on the type and mass of the progenitor star. Mostly, they produce a gas cloud called a supernova remnant. 

Starting around 1933, astronomer Fritz Zwicky was the first one to extensively research supernovae. He not only coined the term "supernova", but today he still is the individual who holds the record of the most supernovae discovered. Since the pioneering work of Fritz Zwicky, the know-how on SN has vastly extended.
Amateur astronomers play an important role in the discovery of SN : the vast majority of SN nowadays are found by amateurs, using CCD cameras.		M1 or Crab Nebula, a remnant of a supernova that appeared in they year 1054. (c) T. Kredner, Calar Alto.
The discovery of SN is still attracting a lot of attention from the professional astronomers community. The importance of an automated SN-search program therefore is to find SN shortly after they explode, so that professionals can track the exploding star over its entire cycle, and learn as much as possible about the physics of supernovae, providing clues to the fate of the cosmos.

Discovery of SN2002jy

	On Dec 18th, 2002, I discovered supernova 2002jy - the first ever supernova discovery in Belgium.  Read the full story about the discovery here.
	The CBA Belgium Automated Supernova-Search Program : here's the complete description of the program.
	Overview of world-wide supernova 2002jy observations