Andy Tomaswick
‘SN 1054’ was one of the most spectacular astronomical events ever. After the supernova explosion, it formed the structure known today as ‘M1-Crab Nebula’. However, in 1054 AD, the year it occurred, it was an extremely bright star in the sky and was one of eight supernovae recorded in the history of the Milky Way. However, it was noticed by only half the literate world. First recorded in the East, especially in China, SN 1054 was hardly ever recorded in the West. Probably, except for a tiny clue found in the most unlikely places—some Byzantine coins.
AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY
At least, according to a multinational group of researchers whose paper was published in the European Journal of Science and Theology, that’s the new theory. Byzantine Emperor IX. They discovered that a special version of a coin minted by Constantine showed two stars around the emperor’s head; this second star probably depicted a sign of the existence of SN 1054, as well as written evidence that the supernova had occurred elsewhere in Christendom.
Scientists living in Japan, China, and the Islamic world had no trouble spotting the new bright star that appeared in the sky. So why didn’t the Christians realize this? In the history of the astronomy community, there has been a debate around this question for decades, with no clear answer. On the other hand, the general consensus is that Christian scholars feared that pointing to a change in what was then thought to be the ‘perfect and unchangeable heavens’ would cause too much turmoil in the church. At that time, theological doctrine dominated the Christian world, and questioning any part of that doctrine could lead to excommunication and even death. Anyone who risked such a fate without tangible reward had to be a brave scientist.
NO SECOND STAR ON OTHER COINS
That makes it all the more intriguing that a metalworker, or perhaps even a cowardly scientist, would have the audacity to do it. Researchers, in technical language ‘IX. They found a special edition of a coin known as the ‘Constantine Monomachos Class IV coin’ which appeared to have two stars, compared to the notable single star in three other groups of coins minted during the reign of the monarch.
Class IV is thought to have been minted between the summer of 1054 and the spring of 1055 and has two conspicuous stars on either side of the monarch’s head. One of the stars is thought to represent the ‘Morning Star’ Venus, while the ruler’s head itself is believed to represent the Sun. However, the other star likely represents the “guest star” (as Chinese observers call it) supernova SN 1054.
In addition, the size of the stars varies somewhat between the 36 coins that researchers were able to find in museums around the world and which were minted that fall. The researchers also argue that the star’s varying size may reflect the gradual extinction of the supernova seen in the sky at the time.
If that were the case, it would be a subtle but effective nod to the remarkable astronomical reality hovering over our heads at the time. However, as with many ancient historical events, it is difficult to separate fact from rumor. The study authors themselves emphasize that they do not know how many ‘Class IV’ coins were minted, they do not know the exact dates of issue, and they do not have concrete evidence that the second star represents a fantastic astronomical event. Still, many romantics may want to think that more than 1,000 years after the miner took on what might have been a huge risk at the time, a team of scientists finally knew why they would do it. While the basis of the claim is still unproven, we can certainly appreciate this story.
Original article Universe Today taken from the website. (Translated by Tarkan Tufan)
–
