Supernova in M101. The new Type Ia supernova is still brightening in M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy off the Big Dipper's handle. Supernova 2011fe was discovered on August 24th at magnitude 17.2, reached 13.8 on the 25th, 12.5 on the 27th, and 11.6 on the 29th. By then it was easier to see than the galaxy itself in amateur telescopes through suburban light pollution. On the evening of August 31st it was up to about magnitude 10.8.
A normal Type Ia supernova at M101's distance, 23 million light-years, should reach magnitude 10.0 at its peak, assuming none of its light is lost to interstellar absorption in M101 itself. It's well within visual reach in a 4-inch scope. You'll be using the supernova to find the galaxy, not the other way around! Moonlight will increasingly return to the evening sky starting around September 3rd or 4th.
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