Hubble astronomers were using the supernova as part of a program to precisely measure the expansion rate of the universe — a key value in understanding the physical underpinnings of the cosmos. The supernova serves as a milepost marker to measure galaxy distances, a fundamental value needed for measuring the expansion of space. In the time-lapse sequence, spanning nearly a year, the supernova first appears as a blazing star located on the galaxy’s outer edge. This allows astronomers to measure the expansion rate of the universe. Over the past 30 years Hubble has helped dramatically improve the precision of the universe’s expansion rate.

NASA has released 4K images from its Martian rovers. It truly is a stunning new way to see the surface of the Red Planet, even though it’s not video. NASA has an explanation for the lack of video:“Although the cameras are high quality, the rate at which the rovers can send data back to earth is the biggest challenge. Curiosity can only send data directly back to earth at 32 kilo-bits per second. Instead, when the rover can connect to the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, we get more favourable speeds of 2 Megabytes per second,” reads the statement from NASA.

Heres a nice shot of Comet NEOWISE, shot this past weekend by Mike Thompson in White Lake, Mich. Keep in mind that this is a fifteen second exposure -- its not what youd see with the naked eye:Comet NEOWISE (Mike Thompson)Comet NEOWISE is not what we scientists call a Great Comet. In other words, its not so bright that it can be seen prominently in the sky with the naked eye. Until now, to see Comet NEOWISE you had to get up at 5 a.m. And I know a LOT of people who will never get up at 5 a.m. Not even for a comet. However, I have good news: Over the next week, NEOWISE will transition to an evening object! And if you miss Comet NEOWISE this time, dont worry -- itll be back in 8,000 to 9,000 years. Comet 67P (NASA)