The current supernova in NGC 5907 is SN 2026kid (Type II), discovered in April 2026.
Latest brightness (as of early–mid May 2026)
- Around magnitude ~15–16 overall
- Specific reported values:
- ~15.0–15.5 mag in early May imaging
- ~15th magnitude on April 30 images
- Discovery at ~16.6 mag, then brightening
Interpretation
- It brightened after discovery (typical for a Type II), reaching roughly ~15th magnitude.
- Recent scattered reports suggest it may now be hovering around 15–15.5, possibly beginning a slow plateau/decline phase.
- Visual observers report it in the mid-15 to ~16 range depending on conditions (filter, sky, comparison stars).
📉 Light curve trend (so far)
Observed behaviour of SN 2026kid
- Discovery phase: ~16.6 mag
- Rapid rise: brightened to ~15.5 within ~1–2 weeks
- Current phase: plateau / very slow decline (~15.6–15.7)
This is textbook Type II behaviour:
- Initial rise after shock breakout
- Then a “plateau phase” where brightness stays nearly constant for weeks to months (hydrogen recombination in the envelope)
📊 Interpreting where it is now
- It has likely already reached peak brightness (or very close)
- Now entering or in the plateau phase
- Expect:
- Slow fading over weeks
- Then a steeper drop (~1–2 mag) when it leaves the plateau
🔬 Practical observing implications
- At ~15.6 mag, it’s:
- Easy for CCD/CMOS imaging
- Borderline visual unless ≥12–14″ aperture + dark sky
- Stability makes it a good photometry target right now (less rapid change)
📈 Quick “mental light curve”
Mag
16.5 ┤ discovery
16.0 ┤
15.5 ┤■■■■ plateau (now)
15.0 ┤
└──────────── time →
late Apr mid May
Practical observing note
At ~15th magnitude:
- Within reach of moderate amateur setups (e.g. 200–300 mm aperture + CCD/stacking).
- Visually, it’s challenging but doable under good skies with larger apertures.