New supernova in M51 (SN 2011dh) - Colour LRGB image added 9/6/11

[RobF]

The trip to Ron's (astroron) last night was worth it just to hear about the new supernova in M51 discovered only a few days ago. Here's a very quick jpeg from a single 5min Lum frame. Thought might of interest to others that can see/image this but don't follow the supernova news closely.

[astroron]

Cheers Rob:thumbsup:
exciting Hey:eyepop:
I still have to get a look,Maybe tomorrow night :question:

[jjjnettie]

How cool is that!

[renormalised]

Yep, it's good stuff:)

Should put an "o" between the "d" and the "h" in the name...call it the Homer Simpson Supernova:P

[RobF]

I couldn't believe when you said it had only lit up in last few days Ron. Was the icing on a great night for me.



Trust the supernova prof from Cambroon to know JJJ ;)



:lol: :D

[PRejto]

Not sure if this is old news, but here is the official announcement. Early images may be useful.

The message below was issued 2011 June 7 as AAVSO Special Notice #243. It is also being distributed to the AAVSO discussion and photometry groups in order to reach the widest audience possible.
Iair Arcavi and Avishay Gal-Yam (on behalf of the Palomar Transient
Factory) write:
"[The discovery of SN 2011dh in M51] (see AAVSO Special Notices
#241 (http://www.aavso.org/aavso-special-notice-241) and
#242 (http://www.aavso.org/aavso-special-notice-242)) is a very
exciting scientific discovery, to which amateurs can further
significantly contribute! We at the Palomar Transient Factory seek
more image data of M51 obtained between May 30 and June 2, 2011.
So, if you have imaged this galaxy using a telescope and a digital
camera, your data may be very useful to this project!
"Helpful data would be:
- images of M51 between 2011 May 30 and June 2
- only if it has an accurate time stamp
"In case such data exist, please send the raw images, specify the
filter(s) used, and if possible also send images of the same field
taken with the same instrument and telescope before May 30, to:
ptf11eon@gmail.com
"Your help could be crucial for great scientific discoveries! We
will not use any data without permission, and will of course credit
all useful images. Many thanks."
Coordinates of M51 (NGC 5194): RA 13 29 52.698 Dec +47 11 42.93 (J2000.0)
Elizabeth Waagen, AAVSO
*************************

[RobF]

I did collect LRGB data on Sat night, and I've combined this with additional data taken at Leyburn some time ago. All up, details are:

LRGB 25:15:15:15 mins
Lum 2x10mins (unbinned) and 3x5mins (binnedx2)
RGB 3x5mins (binnedx2)

Other info:
Elevation: approx 15 degrees
Seeing: very good (for 15 degrees!)
Tracking: average

These low down to the horizon images are always tricky to process and colour balance and the supernova image and colour is affected by combining images before and after the event. The stars could do with a far gentler treatment.

I'll have another go at a later date, but suspect it will be lots more work for relatively little improvement. I'm very happy with this compared to my previous M51 efforts all things considered.

[oosh]

Looks great Rob :)

[batema]

Well done Rob. It does look amazing if you compare M51 prior to now to see this supernova appear. Good job capturing it.

Mark

[RobF]

Thanks for that guys :)
I feel a bit guilty now I didn't put a bit more work into the stars to get rid of the flat "disk" look. I meant to save it as a much smaller image to hide the grain and noise, but heck, I was lucky to see it all. Very surprised to get this much colour, especially the blues.

I just love how low northern objects hang over the trees on the ridge to the north of Ron's. So serene.....

It is pretty amazing when you think what that little dot represents though.

[Suzy]

Wow Rob,
How lucky to be at the right place at the right time! :D
Such a fabulous bonus for the night.:D
What an opportunity. :prey2:
I probably am as excited as if I was there myself. :screwy: I wish I was there that night so I could have seen it too. :sad:
I'm a bit envious much :question::question: :lol:

I heard all about it from Ron, and despite me not being there, I was tickled pink with excitement for everyone. I couldn't wait for your pic of it, even though I'm responding much later than the event, I had a look at your pic as soon as you put it up.;) Nice capture of it, thank you. :thumbsup: :D.

[RobF]

Hi Suzy :)
Ron said you'd sent your regards by message earlier in the night, so we were thinking of you! It was always going to be a risky night between clouds and fog, but its been 7 months so thought it was time to get some Cambroon air. I hope this one hangs around long enough for you to get a look. It really is hard for us from Bris though to get a decent north horizon isn't it. :(

Great job stirring up everyone up with the observing challenge to BTW. Have been reading these with interest.

[RobF]

Interesting reading Peter - thanks for posting :thumbsup: