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Blue dot marked by a white circle.
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See the attached cropped image from the PDF version of the latest Journal.
Alex.
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During the webinar, the speaker repeated that “…T CrB will soon be the brightest nova in living memory…at mag 2…” Someone commented in the Chat box that Nova Cyg 1975 (=V1500 Cyg) reached mag ~1.7. (BAA VSS database ~1.5).
Perhaps he meant the brightest known recurrent nova.
Many observers enjoyed seeing the ‘new star’ in Cygnus in August/September 1975, including myself, and I look forward to observing T CrB in outburst.
Alex.
First chords observed across asteroid (7102) Neilbone
The European SODIS database (Stellar Occultation Data Input System) now lists two observations of chord timings across asteroid (7102) Neilbone. They were obtained from Switzerland on August 19 and France on September 7. This main-belt asteroid has a diameter of ~22 km, so it’s a challenge to obtain multi-chord observations of the same event.
These chords will help to confirm its diameter and will provide high-quality astrometry to refine its orbit.
Neil (1959 – 2009) was well-known in UK astronomy as a keen and knowledgeable observer and a publiciser of many branches of astronomy, and in particular aurorae, NLC and meteors – he served as BAA Meteor Section Director (1992 – 2009).
Alex.
Attachments:
Special Webinar: Recurrent Nova T CrB Coming Soon to a Sky Near You – Dr. Brad Schaefer, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at LSU
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8116929086840/WN_Pn59ESvzQOiSQzLHULi4Ig#/registration
The comet’s elongation from the Sun is <35 degrees, giving amateur searchers an advantage over the big surveys. Objects ‘coming out of the Sun’ are a challenge.
Alex.
I pay my Digital Subscription via Direct Debit. I have just received an annual e-mail from the BAA Office that my membership subscription will be automatically renewed on or shortly after 31st July. Members can further support the BAA via Gift Aid.
Alex.
I’m getting an early morning train from Leeds. If that’s affected then “Expect me when you see me”. If my return train isn’t on time it causes problems getting back home. If so, “I predict a riot!” 🙂
Cheers,
Alex.
Sky & Telescope’s Bob King has provided a simple overlay of M101 and the supernova onto the AAVSO chart, if it helps visual observers
https://skyandtelescope.org/wp-content/uploads/SN-2023ixf-chart-AAVSO.jpg
Alex.
Hi Gordon,
AS discussed, most meteorite specimens in the NHM are not on public display because they need to be maintained under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. Also they are able to store their most valuable specimens in a dedicated lab facility with a controlled atmosphere, such as the Winchcombe meteorite. A nice example is on display:
https://britastro.org/observations/observation.php?id=20210612_184807_7b10976de4db0fd7
I visited The Vault last year and it is disappointing that few meteorites are available for public viewing.
Alex.
Hi Andy,
Any of the Cardiff talks made available on the BAA YouTube channel will be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex.
Richard – yes, my C11 had a clear view of the 29P field until 3 minutes before the predicted time of occultation. IERS tell us that the Earth’s rotation is currently speeding up, which they measure to microseconds, but last night it seemed to ‘put on a spurt’ when the field stars faded as they slipped behind a rooftop. 🙁
Most likely I would have recorded a negative (miss) observation from my location (outside the predicted shadow zone), but very frustrating to be thwarted in that manner!
Alex.
Thanks Paul.
I think Charles’ Wain predates our monarchs of that name but it’s most appropriate for this weekend.
Alex.
…and there is Cor Caroli…
https://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/cor-caroli-heart-of-charles/
Now well-placed for images of the starfield.
Clear skies,
Alex.
