A Hidden Supernova in Medieval Arabic Poetry: The Remarkable Discovery of SN 1181 | A New Link Between Ancient Literature and Modern Astronomy

 Scientists have recently revealed a remarkable discovery in space research. A team of researchers from the University of Jena in Germany has identified the existence of a long-lost supernova—an exploding star—by analyzing medieval Arabic poetry and historical records.

In particular, scientists detected signs of the supernova SN 1181 in the verses of a 12th-century Arabic poem. Previously, this supernova was known only from ancient Chinese and Japanese historical records. This new discovery strengthens the connection between ancient observations and modern astronomy.

In a study recently published in the journal Astronomical Notes (or Astronomische Nachrichten), Neuhäuser and his colleagues investigated references to this historical supernova found in two medieval Arabic manuscripts preserved in Cairo, Egypt.

One of these sources is a poem by Ibn Sanā’ al-Mulk, written between 1181 and 1182. The poem was composed in praise of Sultan Salahuddin (Saladin), who was a prominent Muslim commander and ruler of Egypt and surrounding regions at that time.

The second source is a chronicle by the Egyptian scholar Ahmad ibn ‘Ali al-Maqrizi, who lived between 1364 and 1442 CE. Ancient Chinese and Japanese records also mention a supernova observed in the year 1181.

However, scientists still lack detailed astronomical data about the exact position of this supernova in the sky. As a result, modern astronomers cannot yet determine with certainty which surviving supernova remnant corresponds to the event described in the Arabic texts. Research on the topic is ongoing.

In scientific terms, a supernova is the massive cosmic explosion that marks the death of a large, high-mass star. Typically, a star at least 8–10 times the mass of the Sun undergoes such a dramatic explosion at the end of its life cycle, releasing enormous amounts of energy, dust, and gas into space.

The brightness of a supernova can become so intense that it may be visible even during daylight. Astronomers believe that these explosions give birth to new stars throughout the universe. Therefore, although a supernova signifies the death of a star, it also acts as a nursery for new stars.

One of the oldest known records of a supernova is a stone engraving found in Burzahama, India, dating between 4500 and 1000 BCE. Later, in 185 CE, Chinese astronomers observed another supernova, now known as SN 185.

Now, scientists have confirmed the existence of another ancient supernova—SN 1181—through Arabic poetry written during the 12th–13th centuries. This discovery creates a unique bridge between literature, history, and scientific astronomical evidence.

In conclusion, the identification of this supernova in medieval Arabic poetry shows that ancient literature, sacred texts, and stone inscriptions may contain valuable and astonishing information about cosmic events. Such hidden clues can open new pathways for advanced space research.