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Official name of N Sge 2026 is V488 Sge
http://www.cbat.eps.harvard.edu/iau/cbet/005700/CBET005729.txtI’ve just created an object entry for ‘Nova Sge 2026’ in the image gallery, and tagged last night’s images.
It can’t happen very often that there are two active novae at the same time, called ‘Nova Sge 2026’ and ‘Nova Sgr 2026’!
I haven’t created an entry for ‘Nova Sgr 2026’ yet as I don’t think any images have been uploaded, but I will add it if any observations appear.
Great idea, Dominic – thanks.
Yes, much going on in the field of novae right now, what with these two plus N Aql 2026 and N Tau 2026.Kevin,
Gaia measured the parallax of the precursor of the nova. The median geometric distance is 6255.57227 parsecs (ca 20,400 ly)
Jeremy
There is now a chart and sequence available from AAVSO VSP, though I had some difficulty downloading just now, so appending here (5 deg field).
The brightest star, left of centre) is delta Sagittae.
Attachments:
VSX details of precursor (g~20): https://vsx.aavso.org/index.php?view=detail.top&oid=10762522
Tampo-san (SAAO) writes:
“PNV J19450648+1822422 was originally discovered by the NMW-TexasTech
survey. Its position coincides with a known eclipsing binary candidate
in Gaia, with an orbital period of 9.9011 d. Thus, time-resolved
observations may reveal eclipses during its decline as the photosphere
recedes.”The official name is V8055 Sgr
http://www.cbat.eps.harvard.edu/iau/cbet/005700/CBET005724.txt
The official name has been announced: V1452 Tau
http://www.cbat.eps.harvard.edu/iau/cbet/005700/CBET005723.txt
I think Robin and Paul are right. Engaging via online fora is one of the best ways to show people the science side of astronomy. All 3 of us spend quite a bit of time on SGL. Robin is often posting about spectroscopy and Paul if often pointing out to imagers the interesting objects that are in the images of well known objects they post, like globulars in M31.I sometimes post about variable stars. It’s a matter of gently encouraging others to do more.
Welcome Connor! I wish you a very enjoyable time in the BAA.
Do get involved in our Observing Sections, which are the core of the BAA. I can see you are already interested in Deep Sky observin, so do look at their programmes. Plenty of other stuff to explore, too (like variable stars!).
Unfortunately the UKRI/ STFC continues to push its their “nothing to see here” message in its latest update: https://www.ukri.org/publications/what-stfc-is-investing-in/factsheet-jodrell-bank-e-merlin-and-ukri-funding/
Tim Roca MP’s social media post that Denis highlighted above chimes with that.
I do not see this as a positive message from the MP. It attempts to put a positive spin on the STFC announcements. But there is nothing new. STFC funding for e-Merlin, of which the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank is a critical component, will cease in April 2028.
University of Manchester note to staff: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=34224
MP for Tatton
Attachments:
My MP has been responsive. We exchanged a couple of emails on Tuesday and she has written to the Secretary of State.
Attachments:
My letter appears in The Times today
Attachments:
I have sent the following letter to The Times:
Sir,
The announcement that Jodrell Bank Observatory faces closure because of the withdrawal of scientific funding is deeply concerning for the future of UK science.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Bernard Lovell’s pioneering radar meteor experiments at Jodrell Bank, work that laid the foundations of a world-leading centre for radio astronomy. Today, Jodrell Bank remains at the heart of the e-MERLIN network of radio telescopes. Its loss would seriously undermine the UK’s ability to undertake world-class astronomical research and diminish our international scientific standing.
As a volunteer at Jodrell Bank, I also see its wider value. Around 186,000 people visit the Discovery Centre each year, including thousands of schoolchildren. By engaging young people with science in the unique setting of a working observatory, Jodrell Bank inspires many to consider careers in science, engineering and technology.
I urge the Government and funding agencies to reconsider this decision. Protecting Jodrell Bank is an investment not only in scientific discovery, but in the skills, innovation and scientific workforce on which Britain’s future prosperity depends.
Yours faithfully,
…….
Trustee, The British Astronomical Association
The announcement also mentions that e-MERLIN – the network of radiotelescopes across England, which includes the Lovell telescope – will also stop.
More in the Grauniad.
