In one of the nearest big galaxies , M82 , a rare type of supernova exploded . Meg Urry : Its uniform luminosity makes it valuable in measuring cosmic distance . It's also important for studying dark matter and galaxy formation. The new supernova , SN2014J , is 11.4 million light-years from Earth , a mere stone 's throw in cosmic terms . Urry : We are seeing this light 11.4 million years after the real explosion .
In one of the nearest big galaxies , M82 , a rare type of supernova exploded . Meg Urry : Its uniform luminosity makes it valuable in measuring cosmic distance . It's also important for studying dark matter and galaxy formation. Urry : We are seeing this light 11.4 million years after the real explosion .