Possible bright supernova lights up spiral galaxy M61

I sat straight up in my seat when I learned of the discovery of a possible new supernova in the bright Virgo galaxy M61. Since bright usually means close, this newly exploding star may soon become visible in smaller telescopes. It was discovered at magnitude +13.6 on October 29th by Koichi Itagaki of Japan, a prolific hunter of supernovae with 94 discoveries or co-discoveries to his credit. Itagaki used a CCD camera and 19.6-inch (0.50-m) reflector to spy the new star within one of the galaxy’s prominent spiral arms. Comparison with earlier photos showed no star at the position. Itagaki also nabbed an earlier supernova in M61 in December 2008.

Overnight, Ernesto Guido and crew used a remote telescope in New Mexico to confirm the new object. We’re still waiting for a spectrum to be absolutely sure this is the real deal and also to determine what type of explosion occurred. In the meantime, it may well brighten in the coming mornings.

more…

Yes, be interesting to see how she fares. May end up a binocular job, even.

There was a previous supernova in the same galaxy M61, on 17 Dec 1999.

AFAIK, the title is correct, it is still listed as “possible” by AAVSO. I’ve never seen a mention of “possible supernova” in a nearby galaxy before. Usually a supernova that close is pretty obvious.

mollwollfumble said:

There was a previous supernova in the same galaxy M61, on 17 Dec 1999.

AFAIK, the title is correct, it is still listed as “possible” by AAVSO. I’ve never seen a mention of “possible supernova” in a nearby galaxy before. Usually a supernova that close is pretty obvious.

Hold on, at least one more previous supernova in the same galaxy M61. Supernova 2008in, first seen 26 Dec 2008.

With three supernovae in one nearby galaxy we can start to calibrate different types of supernovae directly against one another.

mollwollfumble said:

There was a previous supernova in the same galaxy M61, on 17 Dec 1999.

AFAIK, the title is correct, it is still listed as “possible” by AAVSO. I’ve never seen a mention of “possible supernova” in a nearby galaxy before. Usually a supernova that close is pretty obvious.

Now confirmed, listed as SN 2104dt.

mollwollfumble said:

mollwollfumble said:

There was a previous supernova in the same galaxy M61, on 17 Dec 1999.

AFAIK, the title is correct, it is still listed as “possible” by AAVSO. I’ve never seen a mention of “possible supernova” in a nearby galaxy before. Usually a supernova that close is pretty obvious.

Now confirmed, listed as SN 2104dt.

Should read “Now confirmed, listed as SN 2014dt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_Forgotten_Dreams