SN 1006 was a supernova that is likely the brightest observed stellar event in recorded history, reaching an estimated −7.5 visual magnitude,[3] and exceeding roughly sixteen times the brightness of Venus.

Appearing between April 30 and May 1, 1006, in the constellation of Lupus, this "guest star" was described by observers across China, Japan, modern-day Iraq, Egypt, and Europe,[1][4] and was possibly recorded in North American petroglyphs.

[1] The most northerly sighting is recorded in the Annales Sangallenses maiores of the Abbey of Saint Gall in Switzerland, at a latitude of 47.5° north.

[6] Monks at St. Gall provided independent data as to its magnitude and location in the sky, writing that This description is often taken as probable evidence that the supernova was of type Ia.

In The Book of Healing, Iranian philosopher Ibn Sina reported observing this supernova from northeastern Iran.

[3] According to Songshi, the official history of the Song dynasty (sections 56 and 461), the star seen on May 1, 1006, appeared to the south of constellation Di, between Lupus and Centaurus.

[15] Remnant SNR G327.6+14.6 has an estimated distance of 2.2 kpc from Earth, making the true linear diameter approximately 20 parsecs.