SN 185
 Image of SN 185 imaged by CTIO | |
| Event type | Supernova remnant, supernova  |
|---|---|
| Type Ia? | |
| Date | 7 December 185 |
| Constellation | Circinus or Centaurus |
| Right ascension | 14h 43m |
| Declination | −62° 30′ |
| Epoch | J2000 |
| Galactic coordinates | G315.4−2.3 |
| Distance | 2,800 pc (9,100 ly) |
| Remnant | Shell |
| Host | Milky Way |
| Notable features | Ancient records of SN 185 may be the earliest written description of a supernova. |
| Peak apparent magnitude | "as much as −8" |
| Other designations | SN 185, SNR G315.0-02.3, SNR G315.4-02.3, 1ES 1436-62.4, 1RXS J144254.3-622815, 3FHL J1443.0-6227e, AJG 27, 3A 1438-626, GPS 1438-624, MSH 14-6-03, 2FHL J1443.2-6221e |
| Preceded by | None known |
| Followed by | SN 386 |
SN 185 (also known as RCW 86) was a transient astronomical event observed in the year AD 185, likely a supernova. The transient occurred in the direction of Alpha Centauri, between the constellations Circinus and Centaurus, centered at RA 14h 43m Dec −62° 30′, in Circinus. This "guest star" was observed by Chinese astronomers in the Book of Later Han (後漢書), and might have been recorded in Roman literature. It remained visible in the night sky for eight months. This is believed to be the first supernova for which records exist.