Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: JohnP on Apr 16, 2009, 18:52:44

Title: Supernova Opportunity... Heads Up...
Post by: JohnP on Apr 16, 2009, 18:52:44

New Bright(ish) Supernova in Galaxy NGC 4088

Guy Hurst (TA Magazine) has recently issued an e-circular (Circular No.
2541) announcing a supernova discovery in galaxy NGC 4088. The SN,
discovered by Giovanni Cortini, Italy, has been designated 2009dd and at
discovery was at magnitude 13.7.  This is relatively bright for a SN, and
with the galaxy well placed in Ursa Major is an ideal opportunity for BAA
members to monitor its increase or decrease in brightness over the next few
nights.

NGC 4088 is a magnitude 10.8 galaxy easily visible in a 20cm telescope
although to see the SN will probably require a larger aperture. Imagers
should have no trouble capturing the "new" star in a 20cm telescope. Note -
galaxy NGC 4085 lies 12 arcmin south of NGC 4088.

The SN lies at RA 12h 05m 33.6s and Dec +50d 32m 20s (2000.0), which puts it
2"W
and 5"S of the centre of the galaxy (details taken from TA Circular).
Title: Re: Supernova Opportunity... Heads Up...
Post by: Fay on Apr 17, 2009, 10:33:58
Just been reading about this, John, interesting. I wonder if any of us will get it?
Title: Re: Supernova Opportunity... Heads Up...
Post by: JohnP on Apr 17, 2009, 10:45:08
I think it should be reasonably easy with CCD if it ever clears.... I guess it also depends how long it stays bright for...
Title: Re: Supernova Opportunity... Heads Up...
Post by: Daniel on Apr 17, 2009, 14:43:19
Saturday looks good, think i'll try to have a hunt for it, though it'll have to be through the 120mm rather than an SCT since my mount won't be ready till next week