Richard:
What they discovered were the "remains" of a supernova whose
supernova light reached us about 140 years ago. The 140 year
calculation was based on the area of expansion of the material around
the remnant. On average, we should experience about 3 supernovae per
century, according to current estimates. We have seen many supernovae
in other galaxies, but until this "most current" one was discovered,
the last one occurred in the mid 1600s about the time of Isaac
Newton. You are of course correct, the light which is currently
hitting astronomers eyes has been traveling thousands of years. I
hope this clarifies, rather than confuses the issue.
George
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