Was there a (super)nova in 1408?

TL;DR

This study re-evaluates the 1408 CE Chinese historical record of a luminous transient, suggesting it was likely a nova or supernova, and explores possible modern counterparts like CK Vul, integrating historical texts with astrophysical data.

Contribution

It combines detailed historical analysis with modern astrophysical data to identify the 1408 event as a probable nova or supernova, providing new insights into ancient stellar phenomena.

Findings

The 1408 event was stationary, luminous, and consistent with a slow nova or supernova.

CK Vul is a plausible modern remnant related to the 1408 transient.

Historical records can be effectively integrated with modern data to study ancient astronomical events.

Abstract

The 1408 CE "guest star" recorded in Chinese historical texts presents a compelling case for identifying a historical stellar transient. While previous studies debated its nature as a meteor, comet, or nova, we re-evaluate the event using original Ming Dynasty records, including a newly found memorial from the imperial court. The object, described as stationary for over ten days, yellow, and luminous (resembling a "Zhou Bo virtue star"), is inconsistent with cometary behavior. Positional analysis locates it near the Niandao asterism (modern Cygnus-Vulpecula region) within the Milky Way, with a derived brightness of -4 to 0 mag. Light-curve stability over ten days and color descriptions align with a slow nova or a supernova. We cross-correlated the historical coordinates with modern catalogs and found a few possible counterparts. Among them, CK Vul - a luminous red nova remnant from 1670 to 1672 - is the most interesting candidate. Could its progenitor system have experienced a precursor classical nova eruption circa 1408 prior to the merger ~200 years later? We also examine cataclysmic variables and planetary nebulae within the 100 square-degree search field, though most lack sufficient brightness or age characteristics. This study emphasizes the value of integrating detailed historical records with contemporary astrophysical data to resolve long-standing controversies over ancient transients. The 1408 event likely represents a rare, well-documented nova, offering insights into pre-modern stellar phenomena and their modern counterparts.