De Stella Nova

work by Kepler

Also known as: “De Stella Nova in Pede Serpentarii”

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July 16, 2026

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"De Stella Nova" is a work by Johannes Kepler published in 1606. It details his observations and analysis of a supernova that appeared in the Milky Way Galaxy in October 1604. At its brightest, the exploding star was more luminous than Jupiter, appearing as a new star in the night sky. Kepler's study of this phenomenon, along with Tycho Brahe's earlier observations of a similar event, provided evidence that the stars were not immutable, challenging the long-held Aristotelian view of a perfect and unchanging celestial sphere. The work also touched upon Kepler's theories regarding light and optics.12

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Johannes Kepler
Astronomical work of Johannes Kepler
…of a new star (1606; De Stella Nova, “On the New Star”). Kepler first noticed the star—now known to have been a supernova—in October 1604, not long after a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 1603. The astrological importance of the long-anticipated conjunction (such configurations take place every 20 years)…
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…of a new star (1606; De Stella Nova, “On the New Star”). Kepler first noticed the star—now known to have been a supernova—in October 1604, not long after a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 1603. The astrological importance of the long-anticipated conjunction (such configurations take place every 20 years)…
Read More