A Re-interpretation of Historical References to the Supernova of 1054 AD

Abstract

In this paper we re-examine historical references to the supernova event of 1054 AD with a view to establishing a sequence astronomical events which minimizes apparent conflicts between the various sources. We find that the explosion of the supernova is likely to have occurred weeks to months before the commonly accepted date of July 4th 1054. This view is strongly supported by a number of European references to events visible in the evening sky during the spring which are likely to be associated with the appearance of the supernova. We find the best fit to the light curve based on Chinese observations and a maximum visible apparent magnitude for a supernova located at the distance to the Crab Nebula also confirms the earlier explosion date.