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[headdunce]

Well, I guess this was yesterday? I found this on slashdot and figured I'd post it here, did anyone see it?
everythingnew.net/technology/you-may-be-able-to-see-the-closest-supernova-in-25-years-tonight/

...I really need to upgrade to a bigger scope

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I understand that the brightest view will be on the 9th.

The Whirlpool is not really a visual object and even worse now that it's at a lower position, but we may catch the bright speck in our scopes.

I'm willing to try.

[Paulie pchris00]

I've read that if it gets bright enough, it might be easier to use the supernova to find the galaxy.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Gotta wonder...

...how many worlds it took out.

[Paulie pchris00]

From Sky & Telescope:

The early detection, combined with the relative closeness of M101 (23 million light-years), makes this a spectacular find for professional researchers. A normal Type Ia supernova at this distance should reach magnitude 10.0 at its peak, assuming that none of its light is absorbed by interstellar matter in M101. That's well within visual reach in a 4-inch telescope — and much brighter than the galaxy appears visually! In a light-polluted sky you'll be using the supernova to find the galaxy rather than vice versa.

www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/observingblog/128430288.html

[Paulie pchris00]

Sept 6, 2011 9:46:17 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

Gotta wonder...

...how many worlds it took out.

Is a white dwarf supernova as destructive as a massive supernova? Seems like it might not be, but I'm no physicist.

[RobbW]

Geez, any object that shines brighter than the entire galaxy itself has gotta have quite a wallop! I wouldn't want to touch that with a 20 million light-year-long pole!

[magic612]

The supernova may indeed help point to the galaxy. Here's my notes from observing M101 on an exceedingly dark and transparent night last year:

"Next was M101. WOW, is that sucker FAINT. It was barely there - hardly anything to see. Just a faint brightening of sky, and the only reason I could perceive it was because I knew for certain I had the right area of sky. I had very carefully star-hopped to the right location, and it was only after jiggling the scope that I definitely identified the galaxy. Not easy to see, and not much to see, either."

And that was through a 10" Dobsonian under my "40 miles south of Chicago" skies.

Worth a shot though!

[Paulie pchris00]

Sept 6, 2011 11:01:21 GMT -6 RobbW said:

Geez, any object that shines brighter than the entire galaxy itself has gotta have quite a wallop! I wouldn't want to touch that with a 20 million light-year-long pole!

Good point. Guess I shouldn't try to think very hard when I'm sleepy.

Dave, that pretty much sums up one of the only views I've ever had of M101. I haven't seen many galaxies, but it is possibly the faintest I've seen. (M33 would be the other candidate for faintest galaxy I've seen, but to be fair, I saw it under a darker sky than 101).

[-=CROMAN=-]

I couldn't see it from my driveway. It's wasn't for a lack of trying though.

[magic612]

Sept 6, 2011 10:36:36 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

Sept 6, 2011 9:46:17 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

Gotta wonder...

...how many worlds it took out.

Is a white dwarf supernova as destructive as a massive supernova? Seems like it might not be, but I'm no physicist.

I for one certainly don't know the answer. But I found this to be a good read about them:

www.astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2011/09/Our%20galaxy%20might%20hold%20thousands%20of%20ticking%20time%20bombs.aspx

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I have three hard hats to spare.

[atomant]

Robbw and Croman,

Any chance you will be observing this weekend?
Sunday is starting to look promising.
Would like to catch SN at its prime.
The NW suburbs might be the ticket to catch the dipper away from city grime.

[RobbW]

The skies are definitely a bit darker out here by us suburbanites; not much, but noticeable! I would love to get a good look at this SN, and observing is ALWAYS better with fellow astronomers. Current forecasts show Sunday night as the best over the weekend. So, I would probably vote for Sunday, unless everyone needs to get to bed early for work the next day! Next question is where? My usual spot by the pond across the street from my house does not have a good view of the North sky. There is a large school playground and soccer fields two blocks from my house that have good views in all directions, but I've never actually observed from there. So I don't know about other conditions (e.g. neighbor's lights, street lighting, etc.). I'd be more than happy to pack up and meet everyone at a more conducive location It just means I won't be able to show off my new scope buggy, and my daughter wouldn't get a chance to have a look before bedtime. But if we weren't setting up until after 8:30pm or so, then her bedtime won't even enter into the equation since she should already be asleep anyway!!!

Let me know if you guys want to solidify any plans. Post them here and I will also cross post on OneDarkSky.com and my ODS Facebook Page, too, just to get the word out!

[-=CROMAN=-]

Stellarium has M101 at about 28 degrees at 11pm Sunday night in South Elgin. I am definitely up for some deep sky if you guys are game. That direction from my house is ok not the best. i have a clear shot of polaris proper. Mizar would be about 8 to 10 degrees above the tree tops about that time. 9:30 or 10pm would probably be best from my location.

Robb... we can do some recon tonight to scope out a good location if you want?

Bill... regardless if the weather is good I'm all in.

[RobbW]

I'll be heading to the Adler tonight for the CAS meeting and then a night sky preservation meeting after that. I probably won't be home until aft 11pm or so. I have an early morning tomorrow, so I can't be up too late. Maybe tomorrow night for recon?

I know of one decent spot in Algonquin with clear views in all directions. Only problem is that it is kind of convoluted to get to, especially if someone is going to be driving out from the city. I reviewed the site in this CA post last year.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The Moon may be an issue with contrast to pick out the 10th Mag SN.

Worth a challenge.

[RobbW]

That's why I decided to refer to it as a Supernova Hunting Expedition!!!

[RobbW]

Hey guys, do we want this to be more of a private, serious observing session? Or do we want it to be more of an outreach event (sidewalk astronomy)?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Supernovae of this type are not for the masses.

Really, just a faint pin point of light.

NEXT!

For geeks like us, an important study, but not for the average causal viewer.

Bill will want to take pics of this. If I go - I will want to relish it...and really, not really suitable for a public outreach event....unless you are going to slew to other objects of interest.

Same applies to Comet Garradd.

[atomant]

Hey Robbw,

With the near full moon visible, it's usually a good time for outreach.
It also will depend on location.
But with potential observing night being Sunday, foot traffic might be low.

Let's see if mother nature will allow us this window.
Keep watch on the transparency conditions.
Hopefully we get a clear breezy and clean night.


m101 from utica, IL Aug 26th.
30secs, iso3200, 400mm

[Paulie pchris00]

Gotta agree with Joe here. Not for the masses. It would be one of the coolest and rarest things we'll ever see, but it's not something you can convince somebody of the first time they're looking through a telescope.

If I knew for sure that M101 isn't hiding behind the roof at Conway, I would call a special SN session, full Moon or not. Targeting north is tricky though, with the roof rolling off, and partially blocking the view.

[patrickm]

Conway would be a good spot, even without the 16"! My 2 cents.

Might be able to join, wherever you decide. Kinda got a SN jones.

[wwpierre]

Pinwheel or Whirlpool??? M101 or M51? I was confused until I read this in the Sky and Telescope article linked above by Pauli.

"Good news for those of you who missed out on June's supernova in the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51: You can slew just across to the other side of the Big Dipper's handle to track another stellar explosion."

Make sure you look in the right place, fellas.

[tomlee]

Sept 9, 2011 16:09:13 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

If I knew for sure that M101 isn't hiding behind the roof at Conway, I would call a special SN session, full Moon or not. Targeting north is tricky though, with the roof rolling off, and partially blocking the view.

Paulie, don't forget those big dobs in the equipment room. That will let you have 8"-10" 360°. You are dob guy anyway! ;D

[-=CROMAN=-]

whats it looking like? nw burb or conway?

[Paulie pchris00]

I would recommend the NW suburbs, only because the only night this week I can make it out to Conway is Thursday, and I'm already committed to a meet-up with my atheist group that night. Next Saturday is the next night that I can truly devote to astronomy (but going to try to make the full Moon session. Unless Tom wants to lead a Conway session?

The NW burbs would probably be best for everybody else this week, and if next Saturday is looking good, I could go either way. I'll let you guys figure it out, and tag along if I can.

[magic612]

I just made a video that hopefully helps people find the supernova. Here's a link to my website that has both the videos, and detailed finder charts that can be downloaded. Might be more dificult from the city, but I saw it tonight through my 5" refractor THROUGH a not-so-thin cloud cover that was blocking all but 1st magnitude stars much of the time. And the supernova is 10th magnitude. With clear skies in the city and a 4.5" scope or larger, this should be visible, I'd think.

www.eyesonthesky.com/supernova/m101-2011.html

[RobbW]

Okay, folks, sorry. I was at Six Flags all day today treating some friends who had never been there. Just got back. If everyone doesn't mind coming out our way to the NW suburbs, I am going to run out right now and do some recon on a couple spots. I'm going to check out the soccer fields and school playground that is two blocks from my house. I also have one or two other locations I want to check. I will report back tonight with a recommendation. If Rich wants to chime in with a recommendation or two, then we can make a decision either tonight or early tomorrow.

I'll be back in a bit!

[patrickm]

Nice video & resources! Very cool. Sent to my nephew who is SN hunting tonight w/5".