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India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
The Untold Stories Of Kochi: Myth, Magic & Legends You've Never Heard
Kochi, lovingly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is not just a beautiful coastal city. Behind its diverse culture and stunning landscape, lies a wealth of legends and stories that have been told over the years. All these stories are ingrained in Kochi and tell us the enchanting blend of history, folklore, and mystique. Let's go on a storytelling trip and discover Kochi's oldest legends and myths. Behind the Chinese Fishing Nets Cheenavala or Chinese fishing nets are one of the well known icons of Kochi. These fishing nets still adorn the shores of Kochi. It is said that these large structures were built by Chinese explorer Zheng He for fishing in the 14th century. Local folklore claims that Chinese merchants offered these nets as gifts to the fishermen of Kochi for spices. Other versions suggest that nets have magical powers, if used properly with devotion, nets guarantee a good catch. Fishermen always say some prayers or do some holy activities before hauling the nets. Thus, the process becomes more than mundane and adds a dimension of spirituality. These extraordinary fishing nets are claimed to be well over 500 years old. Vasco D Gama: Exploring Kochi's Maritime Heritage Shows гиреаon the trade routes connecting China and Kochi. They are true symbols of Kochi's extensive relations with China. Cultures of fishermen are said to infuse magic charm for favourable catch results. da Gama's Ghost Kochi is of historical importance as a port city for European navigation reasons why captains like Vasco da Gama are bound to have memorable renditions associated with them. A local story tells that after dying in Kozhikode in 1524, da Gama's spirit roamed the streets of Fort Kochi in search of peace. He is said to have been sighted multiple times by citizens and tourists around St. Francis Church, which earned him a place in local folklore, being the place from which Padre Francis Xavier, who served for two years before returning to Goa, is known as the first missionary. This ghost has been a source of inspiration for ghost tours and midnight strolls, thus immortalizing the legend. There was a period of time in which Vasco D. Gama was interred in this city of India after his death. He was relocated to Portugal later on. Alongside boasting Portuguese architectural marvels, India is blessed with the old European churches including St. Francis. Elders near the church often share stories of their ghost encounters by the church. Cursed Island of Vypeen Vypeen Island has so many incredible and scary stories that it draws the attention of many travelers. These stories include one of a curse that has natural disasters associated with it and an island inhabited by a sage who was betrayed. When the angered sage cursed the island, it led to all the hardships. Even today, locals, especially the older groups, believe that they are affected by the curse. Vypeen Island is a popular spot for many beaches and historical forts. Vypeen Island has some terrifying and charming folklore, but its beauty adds to that eerie charm that many travelers feel attracted to. Vypeen's folklore adds incredible views making it truly spellbinding. The legend bears deep roots of betrayal and punishment making it incredibly ruthless. Frequently tourists seem to overhear the locals sauntering about the island's amazing yet dark potted history. Legend of the Jew Town Synagogue Paradesi Synagogue, located in Jew Town, Mattancherry is a masterpiece of architecture and depicts cultural diversity around Kochi. Instead of just building, there is also a legend of the reason behind the blissful foundation, claiming it was built on divine guidance. The Jewish people were facing a lot of opposition when attempting to build their envelope so out of desperation prayed and were guided to the site. To this day, the synagogue resides in incredible condition which draws attention to it. The Paradesi Synagogue was established in the year 1568. It is part of the oldest existing synagogues in the Commonwealth. This legend is a testimony of Kochi Jew's faith and endurance. Yakshi of Kerala Folklore The link of Kochi with the broader folklore of Kerala is illustrated by the stories of the Yakshi, a beautiful yet malicious spirit that is said to inhabit certain places. One of the famous Yakshi tellings is about a seductive spirit that drew men to the woods located at the edges of Kochi only to go missing at the climax of the tale. While many of these tales are shared as cautionary stories, they also hint at the region's deep nature and spirituality. Some locals claim that some spots around the city have a mystical feeling to them, where the presence of the Yakshi is felt. Yakshi tales are common in the folklore of Kerala. These are mostly cautionary or definitive stories. The tales have specific sites associated with them in and around Kochi. Cochin Kingdom Story There are many stories about the origins of the Cochin Kingdom. According to them, the kingdom was established by the blessing of Lord Parashurama who is said to have created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea. Local folklore suggests that Kochi's strategic importance and prosperity was predicted by seers, making it a land of fortune. This myth emphasizes Kochi's significance in the spiritual and historical context of Kerala. Kochi becoming a dominant port city fits into these myths. Lord Parashurama is a significant character in the origin myths of Kerala. The Kingdom of Cochin was a prominent player in the trade and political matters of the region. Importance of These Stories Myths and legends are far more constitutive than fiction; they can be viewed from different dimensions in the case of Kochi as they touch its deep aspects. They link the phenomena to their history and give them a sense of self, as well as enrich the visitor's experience. While walking through the streets of heritage Fort Kochi, Vypeen Island, or viewing the Paradesi Synagogue, the stories will allow for great understanding of the heart and soul of the city.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
On this Day: The greatest explorer you've never heard of, and Apartheid police raid Lilliesleaf Farm
Scale models of Chinese admiral Zheng He's ship compared to Columbus's vessel. Zheng's fleet visited most of the world, while Europeans were still squabbling about whether you would sail off the end of the world if you went too far. 1405 Chinese Admiral Zheng He, with a large fleet of junks – some with nine masts – sets sail on the first of seven voyages to map the world. They visit almost all of the world long before Europeans and have an enormous effect on the civilisations outside of China, but little is made known of it in the West. 1895 The first automobile race, from Paris to Bordeaux (1 178km), takes place. 1899 Fiat, parent company of Ferrari, starts. 1915 The German cruiser Königsberg is scuttled in the Rufiji River, near Dar-es-Salam, after being cornered in dense mangroves by an English fleet. Durban pilot Denis Cutlerd uses his seaplane as a spotter for the gunners. 1924 Devout Scottish athlete Eric Liddell wins 400m gold at the Paris Olympics after refusing to run in a 100m heat as it was on a Sunday. A missionary in South-East Asia, he dies in 1945 in a Japanese concentration camp, where he had been mocked and forced to race the Japanese camp's champion, and beaten to ensure he didn't win. His story is told in the films Chariots of Fire and On Wings of Eagles. 1963 Security police raid Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, arresting the nucleus of the leadership of the ANC's armed wing. 1987 UN's international Day of Five Billion to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. This leads to the UN recognising World Population Day annually on this day to enhance awareness of population issues, including their relations to the environment and development. Currently there are 8.23bn people on Earth. 1995 Srebrenica massacre (after UN peacekeepers deny 8 000 Mulslim civilians safety).2006 Mumbai bomb attacks kill 209 people.2010 Spain beats the Netherlands, 1-0 in the World Cup final in Johannesburg. 2019 The last VW Beetle leaves the factory, 80 years after the iconic car was first produced. 2021 Looting, vandalism and arson spreads from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng. The police are overwhelmed and residents man blockades, preventing outsiders from entering suburbs. 2022 A study suggests that dogs can 'see' with their noses in the 'first documentation of a direct connection between the olfactory bulb and occipital lobe in any species'. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
What is Sinology?
Explore how Sinology enriches our understanding of China-Africa cooperation and why it is crucial for future studies. Image: IOL / Ron AI Why is the Knowledge of Sinology Essential to Studies of China-Africa Cooperation? The present article aims to highlight the role and impact of China-Africa cooperation studies through the light of Sinology studies 汉学 (Hanxue). In essence the article aims to explicate differences in definitions between Sinology and China-Africa Studies. It argues that China-Africa Studies will remain limited and devoid of future based analysis. Sinology, the study of China by foreigners has since time immemorial been the foundation of observing, reading and researching Chinese history, culture, identity formation in both ancient and contemporary times. China-Africa studies have tended to take a perspective of events based analysis. Such a view has tended to limit China-Africa Studies to important high-level events between government leaders and institutions. The plethora of literature drawn from these studies tend to be limited as to the analysis of Chinese culture, history, philosophy, identities including other variables that inform the foundation of the Chinese society from ancient to contemporary era. At the least such studies tend to rely on the rosy-eyed explication of revolutionary ideological commonalities of the anti-colonial struggle. The present article aims to highlight reasons and showcase instances as to why knowledge and understanding of Sinology is imperative to current China-Africa cooperation studies. The First School of China-Africa Studies The nascence of China-Africa studies has contributed with new knowledge that help understand trade, politics, interactions, and various exchanges that take place between leaders and peoples from respective nations in the relationship. There have been two main schools of China-Africa cooperation. The first is that, which holds to the ethos that China-Africa relations emerged as early as the 15th century. These studies normally cite sea voyages by Admiral Zheng He to Mombasa, in Kenya and Sofala in Mozambique and other small localities on the eastern coast of the African continent. There has been ample evidence that indeed voyages by Admiral Zheng did touch ground in the vast coastal region of East Africa. These studies have of late advanced to inquiries that include academic studies including communication, media, culture, intercultural exchanges, People-to-People relations and cross-cultural communication strategies. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The second school of China-Africa Studies The second school tends to focus on trade and its development since the nascence of contemporary China-Africa cooperation. Scholars engaged in this school tend to focus on symmetries, synergies, trade-fairness or deficit and high-level political China-Africa cooperation. These studies may be regarded as a collective of China-Africa Trade Cooperation Studies. China-Africa studies rely on interdisciplinary perspectives to study China-Africa relations, focusing on economy, politics, social, and cultural interactions, cooperation, development, and global governance. Employed methodologies tend to be eclectic and include case studies, comparative analysis, statistical analysis, and field research. The main goal of these studies is to analyse the role and impact of China in the development of Africa, and assessesimplications China-Africa cooperation for global governance and impact on policy analysis and formulation on the African side. However, majority inquiries of China-Africa studies remain limited as they eventually hit a ceiling or a brick-wall. Such a limitation is caused by lack of or absence of in-depth Sinology skills and know-how. Lack of engagements with Sinology postulates that form foundational China knowledge limits inquiries into the subject of China-Africa relations and cooperation. There is a plethora of literature that points out that there can be no thorough understanding of a culture, people, identities, and foundational practices that inform and shape their everyday lives. In the case where one lacks instruments that allow an in-depth inquiries into a given people or a civilisation it is impossible to study, decipher, understand and form an opinion of without having at least a basic understanding of their historical trajectories, culture, identity formation and languages that form their existence since the beginning of time. Si duo dicunt idem non est idem. If two languages say the same thing, it is not the same thing. Translation: Stone, J. (2006) Closer to home, the struggle icon and former the first of a democratic South Africa, President Nelson Mandela is known to have stated that; "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart." Similarly, 'traduttore, traditore' dictum, is a classic example that points to a need of using local language as 'translator' is referred to as a 'traitor'. Such a statement is made as an encouragement to use original language in most scenarios as to mitigate shortcomings and fallacies of translation and interpretation. Umberto Eco states that it's necessary to understand that translation is not always exactly the same, but 'almost'. These examples aim to demonstrate that engaging in China-Africa Studies devoid of Sinology is like speaking a foreign language that is neither understood by Africa nor by China. What is Sinology? "Sinology refers to the study of China by foreign scholars. Sinology consist studies of traditional Chinese language, writing, history, culture, thought, literature, art, religion, and institutions. Simply put, Sinology is the study of China by foreigners, which stands from an "outside" perspective and applies its own academic traditions and methods to understand and interpret Chinese civilization. Global Sinologists consist of Western scholars, scholars from East Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, South American scholars and to a lesser extent, African scholars. The core features of Sinology include: the object of study is China: it focuses on the achievements of Chinese civilisation (both ancient and contemporary China). The researcher is a foreigner: researchers come from countries and regions beyond China. Three aspects that consist Sinology research variables are, 'outside and foreign perspective'; 'interdisciplinary'; and research of 'text based materials'. An "outside" perspective: providing a different perspective of observation and understanding from the local Chinese academic tradition, Chinese Studies 国学 (Guoxue). Interdisciplinary: Sinology covers a wide range of disciplinary fields such as linguistics, history, philosophy, religion, literature, art history, archaeology, anthropology, and political science. Text-based: traditional Sinology pays particular attention to the translation, verification, annotation and interpretation of classical Chinese texts (e.g., Confucian and Taoist texts, historical books, and literary works). Sinology World Council Definitions of Sinology by the Sinology World Council: Sinology is a multidisciplinary field of study that provides valuable insights into China's complex and dynamic society, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between China and the world. Sinology, also known as Chinese studies, is the academic study of China that makes inquiries into culture, language, history, politics, society, classic and contemporary literature, folklore, allegories found in the classics, and Chinese linguistics. Foundational feature of Sinology consist of examination of China's past, from ancient China to contemporary times. Subjects that are part and parcel of China's past consist of inquiries about pre-imperial China, imperial China and post imperial China that examine philosophy and religion, exploration of Chinese thought, from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and governance. The two last aspects of Sinology inquiries fall under the rubric of culture and society. The two focus on the investigation of Chinese culture, social structures, and daily life to include art and archaeology to include Chinese art, architecture, and material culture. The ultimate goal of Sinology is to help study and understand China's past, present and future. Sinology aims to promote cross-cultural communication strategies to include cultural exchanges and understanding between China and other nations. Sinology aims to inform policy formulation, decisions on implementation and broader international relations. The centrepiece of Sinology is founded in advancing teaching, learning and correct understanding and use of language. The Confucian subject of 证明 Zhengming and more contemporary 提法 tifa (correct formulation of words) refer to correct use of language as it refers to building of local identities and maintain social hierarchies in accordance the social Chines cultural realm. It also helps with understanding the social and national mood at any given time of interactions with national and individual Chinese entities. Dangers of Sinology Deficit in China-Africa Studies What are the key differences between Sinology and China-Africa Studies? In regards to geographic focus, Sinology encompasses various aspects of Chinese studies across the world. China-Africa Cooperation Studies is limited to relations between China and different individual African nations. In reference to methodologies Sinology employs more traditional humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary approaches, while China-Africa Cooperation Studies tends to be eclectic in nature often dependent on the latest China-Africa event. In more simplistic terms, Sinology focuses on China and its position in the world including future trajectories. China-Africa Cooperation Studies on the other hand, explore China's presence and interactions on the African continent. The latter tends to limit itself to comparison and judgment of China on the African continent versus that manifest or promised by the West and its institutions. As a result of Sinology deficit in the continent, the verdict of these comparisons and judgments tend to favour Western narratives as benchmarks of standard conduct in cross-cultural communication and exchanges. The long-term, 'traditional partner' of the past half a millennia always wins by default of these judgments and comparisons, not as a voice of reason but for lack of 'other voices' among China-Africa scholars. Sinology deficit in China-Africa Studies may result in lack of deeper analysis on the impact contemporary China and its culture on the African continent. Such deficit may lead to shortcomings in both understanding of current events and on laying out future scenario conditions that aim to strengthen China-Africa relations and cooperation. These may also lead to cultural insensitivities on both sides of the China-Africa cooperation spectrums. Such circumstances may lead to potential conflicts and in the process posing danger to the long-term future of the China-Africa cooperation and relations. Events Based Analysis versus Future Based Scenario Analysis Events based analysis relate to analysis of conferences, forums, seminars and visits by leaders and dignitaries from either side of the China-Africa cooperation. These include signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards a particular agreement or intent to engage in a particular cooperation activity, be it educational, industrial or economical. The most vogue type of MoU in the past decade has that which involves cultural exchanges and People-to-People Relations. One would assume that there has been lots of benefits for Africa emanating from these agreements. However, records reveal that little to none has been implemented simple because lots is lost in translation. Between Chinese and African governments there exists lots of dormant agreement in the form of unsigned 'Agreement Frameworks'. An educated guess as to stagnation despite governmental agreements in place would there exist lack of understanding of offerings that are brought to the table and those that offer those products and services. Future scenarios for sustainable China-Africa cooperation are first determined by how cooperation manages to consolidate its successes into a 'Good China-Africa Story'. That is, instead of only receiving; the other party also has to reciprocate symbolically and in kind to goods that are offered. The two questions below ought to help us find a possible path towards identifying and then mapping a strategy to enhance those successful moments - be they tangible or simply symbolic instances of China-Africa cooperation. It is in such instances that knowledge of Sinology becomes an asset that helps in understanding and accessing low hanging fruits of the China-Africa cooperation. What are the measurable 'quantifiable' successes of the China-Africa Cooperation? How doChina-Africa cooperation parties consolidate, sustain and set in place long-term strategies aimed at enhancing cooperation between partners and the entire south-south cooperation in order to have a significant impact in the geopolitical spaces? An answer to the above questions lies within an understanding of respective cultures among member states of China-Africa cooperation. However, it is now apparent that China-Africa Studies lacks instruments that would help understand and engage in deeper and meaningful cultural engagements between China and different African nations. There is a need to have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Sinology that may offer a window into understanding of deeper foundations that sustain traditional Chinese culture that enjoys a continuum from ancient to present Chinese society. Overlaps and Differences The present article has delved into details regarding similarities and differences between Sinology and China-Africa Cooperation Studies. Scholars, analysts and observers ought to also pay attention existent differences and overlaps between Sinology and China-Africa Cooperation Studies. By understanding overlaps and differences between the two, researchers will be able to navigate these fields and contribute to meaningful scholarship and policy discussions that aim to inform a long-term China-Africa cooperation and relations. Overlaps between Sinology and China-Africa Studies consist of understanding China's foreign policy and its role in geopolitics. Second overlap is in the analysis of China's economic and political influence on the African continent. The third is that, which examines cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy. However, while China-Africa cooperation studies tends to focus on China's impact on the African continent, Sinology seeks to understand ancient and imperial salient patterns that inform China's current existence, development and rise to the global centre-stage since it nascence to the present day. China-Africa cooperation needs to urgently delve into Sinology in order to ensure a long-term partnership of equals and a successful building of a China-Africa community of a shared future along the principles of a Global Civilization Initiative. In conclusion, Sinology is the study of China by foreigners, which has undergone an evolution since the times of encounters with Marco Polo in the year 1275, Jesuit missionaries, like Michele Ruggieri and Matteo Ricci in 1583. The discipline has evolved into a standard professional discipline that today incorporates modern social science methodologies. Today, Sinology provides an indispensable external perspective for the understanding of Chinese civilisation, and serves as an important bridge for Chinese-foreign cultural exchanges and academic research. In the modern context, it is often intertwined or integrated with the broader study of China. It is for such a reason that China-Africa cooperation Studies need to urgently engage Sinology as a sign and form of reciprocity to all China efforts to engageAfrica in its developmental quest through cross-cultural communication strategies in the form of People-to-People relations and People-to-People Exchange. * Professor Paul Zilungisele Tembe, Founder and Director of SELE Encounters. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Technical.ly
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Technical.ly
The Trump administration is gutting science. Here's why that matters for all of us.
Chinese Admiral Zheng He was as imperialist as any. Half a century before the Europeans began their transatlantic age of conquest, he led the world's most sophisticated maritime expeditions, backed by China's superior technology and a centralized state. But after Zheng He's final voyage in the 1430s, political leaders fearful of external influence shut it all down. Shipbuilding ceased. Scientific knowledge stagnated. Poised to shape the modern world, China turned inward — and missed its moment. In 2025, America may be risking the same fate. Since returning to office in January, the Trump administration has cancelled more than 3,000 already-approved federal research grants totaling over $8 billion, according to the Economist. That includes more than $750 million in NIH biomedical research and $1.5 billion in NSF grants affecting topics from clean energy to cybersecurity education. The consequences aren't abstract. Researchers across the country are abandoning promising work on Alzheimer's, pandemic prevention, HIV treatment, mental health, teacher training and clean water. In many cases, the research was nearly complete, with data collected but no funding left to analyze or publish it. 'You can't tell me this is about efficiency,' Caroline Hardin, a professor whose $230,000 NSF grant to expand computer science teaching was abruptly terminated, told NEA Today. 'It's so profoundly inefficient.' 'You can't tell me this is about efficiency. It's so profoundly inefficient.' Caroline Hardin, Western Washington University In Atlanta, an HIV clinic is shutting down parts of its operation. At Western Washington University, researchers studying how to recruit women into cybersecurity can no longer publish what they learned. At UMass Amherst, a $6 million clean-energy initiative designed to ensure low-income communities aren't left behind is gone. Meanwhile, elite institutions like Columbia, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania are seeing grants revoked not over questions of scientific merit but for political reasons. Columbia alone lost over 400 NIH grants in retaliation for campus protests. NIH staff received direct orders to cut any projects using phrases like 'Latinx,' 'gender minority' or 'climate justice.' More NIH grants were terminated in four months of 2025 than in the previous 12 years combined, per ProPublica. The result is a quiet collapse of America's scientific engine — and the clearest sign yet that scientific inquiry, once seen as apolitical infrastructure, is now a target. 'We're in for multiple pandemics,' epidemiologist Ralph Baric, whose COVID-era vaccine work was defunded, told the Economist. 'I guess we'll have to buy the drugs from the Chinese.' Critics say these cuts amount to a de facto purge — gutting research related to diversity, climate, public health or anything that challenges the administration's worldview. But even 'neutral' science isn't safe. The National Weather Service has halved its weather balloon launches. NOAA staff have been slashed. NASA's Earth observation satellites may soon be defunded. The CDC has paused all HIV research. Across federal labs, basic supplies like gloves and reagents are running short. 'It feels like a ship going down,' UMass professor Krista Harper told NEA Today. On Saturday, in more than 2,000 U.S. towns and cities, Americans gathered for 'No Kings Day,' a protest movement against Trump's authoritarian impulses — including his attacks on science. Organizers say the military parade in Washington DC wasn't just a spectacle but a symbol of power replacing process. 'We don't do kings in America,' Ezra Levin of No Kings –organizer Indivisible told ABC News. 'We don't let one man decide what truth gets funded.' The science community agrees. A letter signed by over 20 Nobel laureates and thousands of global researchers this week urged the NIH director to reverse the cuts. Lawsuits are mounting. But in the meantime, damage is being done — not just to labs and careers, but to the very idea that facts should guide policy. In 1433, China's rulers shut down their navy to control their narrative. The decision helped them keep power — but it ceded the future. What kind of country are we becoming if we let ideology sink our science?
South China Morning Post
12-06-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Chinese astronomers recorded details of dying star's explosion in 1408: study
Just after sunset on an October evening in 1408, six years into the reign of the Ming dynasty's Emperor Yongle, Chinese court astronomers spotted a mysterious new star glowing high in the southern sky, near the heart of the Milky Way. 'It was about the size of a cup-shaped oil lamp, with a pure yellow colour, smooth and bright,' according to Hanlin Academy scholar Hu Guang, in a formal report to the emperor that interpreted its appearance as a heavenly endorsement. 'We, your ministers, have encountered this auspicious sign, and respectfully offer our congratulations … This splendid omen is truly a sign of an enlightened era,' Hu wrote, praising the ruler whose sweeping ambition had launched Zheng He's treasure fleets and extended China's reach as far as Africa. 'The star remained stationary and calm over 10 days of measurement and observation,' he noted, in a rediscovered memorial that has settled a long-standing debate among modern astronomers about the true nature of the 1408 event. While earlier records were too brief to draw firm conclusions, this official account confirms that the phenomenon was a nova – the slow, temporary brightening caused by a dying star – rather than a comet or meteor flashing through the sky. The discovery was reported last week by researchers from China, Germany, and Chile in peer-reviewed The Astronomical Journal. The unprecedented details, including the star's size and brightness, also helped the team to narrow down the star's possible position.
