Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon
The problem is, this nova is neither average nor typical! A lot of the light is coming from the Ha line in the red part of the spectrum, and a fair bit from the Hb and other lines in the blue. These are both outside the main passband of the V filter. So I'd expect Visual estimates to be a notch or two brighter than the V measurements. But it is very hard for even experienced visual observers to get closer than 0.1-0.2.
The AAVSO has an excellent manual for visual observers. http://www.aavso.org/visual-observing-manual. I hope you are reporting your observations to them!
Cheers
Jonathan |
Thanks again Jon. I was a little concerned that my best efforts to visually pin down Nova Cen 2013's magnitude were still different to the figures you were all getting.
To be honest, sending my visual estimates to the AAVSO did not occur to me. I am surprised that visual is considered a valid measurement when photometry and spectroscopy can remove the subjective element of the data collection. I will follow up on the link that you provided and will consider sending my observations.
Regards,
Stu.