Exactly, you are correct. The working theory is that the supernova already occurred in the year 1372 and a disturbance was observed by multiple cultures at the instant of the explosion. If you add 640 years then we arrive at 2012. I have absolutely no idea if this is true but it is most fascinating. A supernova explosion from a red supergiant star will be spectacular to see. Some speculation is that it will shine brighter than our moon, and will be approximately 4 times larger in the night sky. The duration is expected to last for several months, effectively making night brighter than day on earth. I am still unable to comprehend the magnitude of an explosion with those attributes, so I guess we shall see...
“The working theory is that the supernova already occurred in the year 1372 and a disturbance was observed by multiple cultures at the instant of the explosion.”
Now I am confused. If nothing can travel faster than light, how could any disturbance, shock wave, distortion, or anything have been felt? It would seem just the opposite. I think that if we see it the radiation or shrapnell or whatever would be soon to follow.
This disturbance traveled at 640 times the speed of light? Color me doubtful.
It’s impossible for anybody to have witnessed the event occur as it happened, that far away, as it would destroy everything humans understand about physics. Though it would confirm that certain events do travel faster than light itself.
Cosmic shockwave? I figure that would dissipate long before reaching this solar system.