No supernova in the Milky Way has been observed since the invention of the optical telescope , instruments for other wavelengths , neutrino detectors , or gravitational wave observatories .
It would be a tragedy to miss the opportunity to fully characterize the next one .
To aid preparations for its observations , we model the distance , extinction , and magnitude probability distributions of a successful Galactic core-collapse supernova ( ccSN ) , its shock breakout radiation , and its massive star progenitor .
We find , at very high probability ( \simeq 100 \% ) , that the next Galactic supernova will easily be detectable in the near-IR and that near-IR photometry of the progenitor star very likely ( \simeq 92 \% ) already exists in the 2MASS survey .
Most ccSNe ( 98 \% ) will be easily observed in the optical , but a significant fraction ( 43 \% ) will lack observations of the progenitor due to a combination of survey sensitivity and confusion .
If neutrino detection experiments can quickly disseminate a likely position ( \sim 3 ^ { \circ } ) , we show that a modestly priced IR camera system can probably detect the shock breakout radiation pulse even in daytime ( 64 % for the cheapest design ) .
Neutrino experiments should seriously consider adding such systems , both for their scientific return and as an added and internal layer of protection against false triggers .
We find that shock breakouts from failed ccSNe of red supergiants may be more observable than those of successful SNe due to their lower radiation temperatures .
We review the process by which neutrinos from a Galactic core-collapse supernova would be detected and announced .
We provide new information on the EGADS system and its potential for providing instant neutrino alerts .
We also discuss the distance , extinction , and magnitude probability distributions for the next Galactic Type Ia supernova .
Based on our modeled observability , we find a Galactic core-collapse supernova rate of 3.2 ^ { +7.3 } _ { -2.6 } per century and a Galactic Type Ia supernova rate of 1.4 ^ { +1.4 } _ { -0.8 } per century for a total Galactic supernova rate of 4.6 ^ { +7.4 } _ { -2.7 } per century is needed to account for the SNe observed over the last millennium , which implies a Galactic star formation rate of 3.6 ^ { +8.3 } _ { -3.0 } M _ { \odot } yr ^ { -1 } .