Supernova 1987A was located in the outskirts of the Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy, approximately 168,000 light-years away, though close enough to be visible to the naked eye if you lived in the Southern Hemisphere. The light from the supernova reached Earth on February 23, 1987. It was the first opportunity for modern astronomers to see a supernova up close and observations have provided much insight into core-collapse supernovae. Voyager 2, then enroute to Neptune, was able to observe the supernova with its cameras.
It’s Thursday, February 23
The Howard Finster Vision House Touring Exhibit goes on display tonight at the WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery. Finster’s images range from pop culture icons like Elvis to historical figures such as George Washington to religious images of his own visions. There’s a reception tonight from 5 to 7, with an artist talk by curator David Leonardis at 6. The exhibit runs through March 23.
The Modernette Civic Club sponsors their 18th Annual African American Breakfast on Saturday at 8AM at the James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville. The keynote speaker will be Mr. John Johnson, Executive Director for the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights in Louisville. $12 tickets can be purchased at the door.
Western Baptist Hospital offers free screenings during a Heart Health Fair on Saturday from 9 to noon in the atrium of Doctors Office Building 2. Western Baptist staff will provide blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and EKG rhythm strip screenings. Fasting and advance registration are not required.
Find more community events online at wkms.org.
