Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
After a drop in brightness in the first 24 h, the nova has been at ~mag 13 the last 3 nights. Not much of a light curve so far as we are in the early days of this eruption. Further observations are encouraged.
Good to see the data rolling in for this star. Many thanks to all observers. It’s been faint for a few days: I’ve have it at 16.6 yo 16.7 the last couple of nights.
Now the nights are getting a bit longer, some time-series photometry runs become possible.
Christian Knigge (U of Southampton) notes:
“I just wanted to flag up that we’re
currently still trying to follow the outburst of V627 Peg — one of the
closest WZ Sge stars that erupts only every 5 years (at best) and has
just recently gone off. I’m involved in a campaign to get X-ray,
ultraviolet and radio coverage of the outburst, alongside, of course,
optical.The thing is really bright in outburst — V ~ 8-10 or so — so it’s
great for high-cadence photometry or even spectroscopy, for anybody who
has a spectrograph. For our campaign, any long sequences would be
useful. Ideally we’d have long runs covering the full outburst in 2
filters, say B and V.In terms of spectra, time-resolved spectroscopy would be awesome — I’m
particularly interested in the transition from a pure absorption line
spectrum near plateau to a pure emission line spectrum in quiescence.
Where and how fast does this happen, and does it correlate with other
things happening at other wavelengths.Thanks!
Christian “Further confirmation as nova: https://www.astronomerstelegram.org/?read=14793
Tim, the Variable Star Section CCD Target List has some shorter period eclipsing binaries that might be useful if your aim is to test your system. The Beginner’s Category has a few systems that are 1 day or less. Ones around atm include EG Cep and TZ Lyr.
Given the short nights atm, you would need very short periods.
You could also look at any SU UMa dwarf novae that are in outburst. CVnet lists current ones. V1227 Her (UGSU, eclipsing, orbital period 0.064419 d (92.763 min)) might be a good one for you. There is a Journal paper on it here.
A motorised Dome facility is not commercially available for the original 2.1m Pulsar dome. A few people have come up with diy solutions but way beyond my level of expertise.
A word of caution, Grant. I have that model and it is superb, but with one limitation. The slit is a bit narrow. They widened it in later models.
Consequence is that when the scope is pointing obliquely across the slit, it doesn’t take very long before you need to shift the dome round a bit. The wider the scope, the shorter the time. Can be a pain if you are doing a long time series run. I’ve long thought my C11 is at the practical limit. I wouldn’t like to use a 12-inch.
Kato-san (VSnet) notes that t3 (time to drop 3 mags) is ~ 2.3 days. Appears to be record breakingly fast!
Now confirmed as a Nova by Munari, Valisa and Dellaporta in an ATEL 14704: “Spectroscopic classification of TCP J18573095+1653396 as a nova bordering naked-eye brightness”
Latest on CBAT transients page:
2021 06 12.642 – Visually confirmed this nova suspect at reported position. Magnitude 6.4 at June 12.642 UT.
2021 06 12.642 -Visual observation on June 12.642 UT by Andrew Pearce (Nedlands, W.Australia)
Getting a few glimpses here in Cheshire. Also plenty of time to read the splendid June Journal which was delivered an hour ago.
The BAA VSS light curve indicates the nova has been gradually brightening again over the last few days.
May 31.208 7.24 TG (Gary Poyner)
May 31.995 7.1 vis (Paul Abel)
Beginners speak well of this kind of finder scope, which is quite reasonably priced compared to a digital device: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/astro-essentials-9×50-right-angled-erecting-finderscope.html
It gives a correct image so the orientation is the same as seen by the eye. It has a right angled eyepiece so might be a bit more accessible to view. Astrosteve mentioned that both characteristics are important to Roger, who will also be able to ditch the power supply, computer/monitor, cables, software and other paraphernalia that beginners might struggle with.
A 6 x 30 finder is pretty small, Astrosteve, so perhaps not surprising he was having trouble finding targets. I’d recommend a 50 mm finder as this should allow a beginner plenty of opportunities to star hop without resorting to electronic gadgets. You can pickup finders of really good quality quite cheaply these days. They have a field of ~6 degs and should easily get to mag 9.5.
