Astrophysicist locates Krypton

A real astrophysicist has found a planet which fits the profile of the fictional Krypton, and a back-up story in ACTION COMICS #14 will spill the beans. In the story, the real person Neil deGrasse Tyson helps Superman see his home planet just before it blows up. The story is by Sholly Fisch, Chris Sprouse and Karl Story, and one guesses there will be some tearing up.

“This is a major milestone in the Superman mythos that gives our Super Hero a place in the universe,” said DC Entertainment co-publisher, Dan DiDio. “Having Neil deGrasse Tyson in the book was one thing, but by applying real world science to this story he has forever changed Superman’s place in history. Now fans will be able to look up at the night’s sky and say – ‘that’s where Superman was born’.”

The red dwarf star designated for having the ability to support a Krypton-like planet is located in the constellation Corvus 27.1 light years from Earth. The star, designated LHS 2520, possesses a red, highly turbulent surface, somewhat cooler and smaller than the Sun. To find it in the night’s sky, amateur astronomers and Superman fans can follow these coordinates:

J2000 Right Ascension: 12 hours 10 minutes 5.77 seconds Declination: -15 degrees 4 minutes 17.9 seconds Proper Motion: 0.76 arcseconds per year, along 172.94 degrees from due north