John Chumack wrote (below) that the supernova has surpassed the brightness of 1979C, which reached magnitude 11.6. SN 2006X is currently at magnitude 14.5.<br><br>Does the statement mean that it is brighter than expected at this point on the light curve, and we would anticipate that it will brighten beyond magnitude 11.6? <br><br><br>"The 2006X Supernova's magnitude is on the rise currently at 14.5 Mag... <br><br>M100 has produced other Supernovae during the past century....SN 1901B, SN 1914A, SN 1959E, SN 1979C,..but SN 2006X has already surpassed the brightness of even 1979C, 11.6 mag."

I was out at my 40 inch Dob looking at M100 (inspired by a post by Inge Skauvik in the deep sky observing forum) last Tuesday morning after the moon set. I almost certainly saw this supernova but didn't know it wasn't "just another field star" at the time. Wednesday I learned of the existence of the supernova. Perhaps this is the astronomical equivalent of being "a day late and a dollar short." I hope it is still bright enough when the moon is out of the sky to observe visually.