Supernova 2008ge in NGC 1527

[ngcles]

Hi All,

A relatively bright new supernova was reported last night in the southern barred-spiral galaxy NGC 1527 in Horologium. This galaxy, based on its R/V (+1001) and assuming a Hubble Constant of 72km/s/Mpc is approx 14Mpc or 45 Mly away. The current magnitude estimate for the new object is approx 12.8. The type of supernova event is not known at this stage.

The offsets for the new object are 2" north and 5.4" east of the nucleus of NGC 1527 -- meaning it is quite close to the apparent nucleus of the host galaxy. Though the event is bright, its proximity to the bright nucleus means it will probably need a 10" telescope to see because of the "bright" background it resides in.

Observers are directed to CBET circular 1531:2 for further details.

Best,

Les D

[glenc]

Here is an image of the SN: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9242251@N02/2927696898
and one of the galaxy Dunlop 409: http://www.ngcic.org/dss/n/1/n1527.jpg
This Vmag 10.7 galaxy transits before 4am. The star 1.1' north of the galaxy is mag 14.3.

[astroron]

It looks like clouds up here in Queensland for the next few days and with the moon getting brighter each night,it will make observations of this Supernova a bit of a difficult project.
Ron

[CoombellKid]

Yup! it is a shame these SN's couldn't time themselves with new moon and
clear skies :whistle:

Would love to catch a SN in the new scope :D did you get a chance to
have a peek Glen?

regards,CS

[glenc]

No, too cloudy, too much moon.:(

[glenc]

Tried to see the SN last night with the 12" but did not see it.
Used an 8mm EP and also an 8mm and 2x Barlow. Saw the mag 14.3 star OK.
The SN was mag 13.6 on Oct 14. http://www.flickr.com/photos/9242251@N02/2927696898

[CoombellKid]

Was going to setup last night, it was looking good too :( but a bushfire
to the SW spread a layer of muck over us out here :mad2:

Might give it a shot tonight if it's clear of smoke.

regards,CS

[ngcles]

Hi All,

CBET circular 1540:20081018 indicates the spectrum of the subject event reveals it to be a peculiar Type Ia supernova (ie an accreting white dwarf star that detonates due to runaway fusion) similar to 2002cx 23 days after maximum light.

Should still be bright for some time to come.

Intend to take a peek myself on the weekend and it seems (from Glen C's non-observation above) that the proximity to the nucleus of the host galaxy, will make it a difficult one to observe.

Best,

Les D

[Rob_K]

Thanks for the info Les, good luck with your observations, and I look forward to your report! :thumbsup:

I'm waiting for another one like 2008bk in NGC7793, bright with a bit of separation from the core.

I did actually do a test widefield image a couple of evenings ago, and of course all you can see is the bright core of NGC1527. But it did show a myriad of other galaxies in the general vicinity (particularly above Alpha Doradus), reminding me that it's about time for some more visual astronomy! ;)

Cheers -

[CoombellKid]

Glen,

Might have a shot at this tonight, looking pretty good out this way. And
no jetstream :D

regards,CS

[astroron]

I have tried on a couple of occasions with no luck, using a 16" scope and 13 mm and 5mm eyepieces.
I will make another attempt tonight and tomorrow night.
Ron

[CoombellKid]

I had a shot through my 16" last night too, with no luck either. Going off
the image that Glen posted in the link above, the dust disc around N1527
appears much larger. Infact I would go further to say the image only shows
the nucleus. As Les mentioned above the 2008ge appears to be relatively
close to the necleus of N1527 and if not being engulfed by it's glow.
However the nucleus did appear somewhat stellar towards where 2008ge
is positioned. I used 14mm @ 130x, 10mm @ 180x and the 10mm barlowed
x2 @ 360x.

Will try again over the weekend. I think higher magnification will give a
better chance of seeing it.

regards,CS

[astroron]

I was able to get a glimps of S/N 2008ge last night,but only after a great deal; of effort.
At moments of the best seeing a star like glint would pop into view,as it is so close to the nuculas it is very difficult to observe.
I used a 16" scope with a13mm Nagler 2x Barlow and a 5mm Celestron Xcel.
The best observation was when the galaxy was about 60 deg elevation.
One of the hardest bright;) supernovae I have ever observed.:astron::stargaze:
Ron

[ngcles]

Hi Ron,

Well done mate.

I plan to have a go tonight with the 18" and like you, use high magnification if the seeing allows -- and if it stays clear (looks "iffy" at the moment).

The sky looks good overhead here, but I know it's coming from the west sometime later this evening. If not, I'll have a crack at it next weekend.

Best,

Les D

[CoombellKid]

Sounds similar to what I observed, a stellar like glint on the westernside of the nucleus (from memory). Setup to try again last night butwe ended up being solidly clouded in this side of the border by the timeI got out there, around 10pmregards,CS

[astroron]

I have just finished an observing run for Supernovae without success finding my own, but my last object for the night was NGC 1527. The seeing was very good and I was able to see the S/N quite well with a 5mm and 2x Barlow (x730 mag):eyepop:
Then the mist rolled in so packed up:astron:
Ron

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Great to hear that you've managed to confirm your observation Ron, your dedication to the goal (and your experienced eye!) rewarding you with this success.

:thumbsup:

[glenc]

Well done Ron. 730x :thumbsup: