Supernova 2017cbv (IMAGE) University of Arizona Caption Bright blue dot: Supernovae such as SN 2017cbv appear as 'stars that weren't there before,' which is why multiple images taken over time are necessary to reveal their true identity. SN 2017cbv lies in the outskirts of a spiral galaxy called NGC 5643 that lies about 55 million light-years away and has about the same diameter as the Milky Way (~100,000 light-years). Data are from the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Supernova Project and the Carnegie-Irvine Galaxy Survey. Credit B.J. Fulton/Caltech Usage Restrictions This visual may only be used in conjunction of reporting/posting of this news release. Credit must be stated as indicated. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.