Supernova remnant G1.9+0.3

Scientists have discovered a star that exploded about 140 years ago, making it the youngest supernova in our galaxy.

At a NASA news conference, the scientists announced Wednesday what they say is an important finding for understanding the life cycles of stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

Astronomers were able to estimate the age of the supernova by tracking its rate of expansion over the last 20 years. They say it expanded by 16 percent - a surprisingly large amount - indicating it is much younger than previously thought.

The scientist who led the study, Stephen Reynolds of North Carolina State University, said radio and X-ray technology allowed scientists to track the dying star through a dense field of gas and dust that had previously obscured the view.

The second most recent supernova is believed to have occurred around 1680.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.