Unveiling the nature of a newly discovered supernova could help build the cosmic distance scale

• SN 2023zcu is a newly discovered supernova in spiral galaxy NGC 2139; detailed study of its evolution can help refine the cosmic distance scale of the local universe.
• Falls under core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) — explosive death of massive stars that exhaust nuclear fuel.
• Relevant for UPSC GS-III (Science & Tech / Space) — Indian astronomy contribution to extragalactic distance measurement.