Supernova in whirlpool galaxy

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 8:38 pm

Hi All,
M51 has wielded a 13.5 magnitude supernova, and this is perfectly placed in the sky near the zenith at this time of the year.
This is just about pickup-able in a 12" scope, smaller scopes will find it challanging but not impossible.
If you get out over the next week or so, make sure you have a peak.
http://www.variablestarnights.net/
http://www.aavso.org/aavso-special-notice-241

Tom Walsh · Post by **Tom Walsh** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:17 pm

That's a pity, the weather looks crap for the coming week. I wouldn't mind getting a look at it!

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:22 pm

well, I hauled the scope out on Sunday night and had a look, its quiet obvious on the edge of the Galaxy, very easy to find, mag 13.5 is well within the reach of a 20".
I have to say that going on the above photographs relative to the surrounding stars, I thought it would look a little brighter.
It was 00.15 before it got dark enough to see it, most supernovae last a week or 2, some last over a month.

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:57 pm

I'd have expected you to have seen it a bit brighter than the surrounding
stars also.
Maybe it's fading quicker than expected.

C'mon Betelguese!!

I wanna get a shot like this when it does!!

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 4:31 pm

Dont know if its fading yet, but there are some tentitive reports on the web that its down to 14.2, I hope this isnt true cos that would indicate a rapid drop off, but thats not too likely for a type 2 supernova (>8 solar masses) like this, depends on if its type L, P or B. The jury is still out as to where the light curve is going.
Also, the stellar material is moving out at over 17k kms per second from the stars core, now thats fast !
There are also some indication from old hubble images that the pregenitor star has been identified, cool if true.

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 6:59 pm

Pitty the weather is awful.
It'd be a challenge to try see it.

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 7:58 pm

At mag13.5-14, it would be a major challange in a 10", it might not be possible at all, worth a try though.