Observation by Mike Harlow: Nova Tau 2026: Spectrum

Uploaded by

Mike Harlow

Observer

Mike Harlow

Observed

2026 Aug 16 - 02:20

Uploaded

2026 Aug 16 - 10:07

Objects

Spectrum
Nova Tau 2026

Equipment

12inch F/3.6 astrograph
ASI6200MM CMOS camera, no filter
20cm, 9 degree crown glass prism

Exposure

30 x 10 seconds

Location

Ipswich, UK

Target name

Nova Tau 2026

Title

Nova Tau 2026: Spectrum

About this image

Latest spectrum of the nova shows a decrease in the continuum but greater visibility of emission lines as it fades (now V-mag 9.7). Hydrogen lines prominent with iron lines starting to appear and oxygen emission in the IR.

Field of view ~54 x 66 arc minutes, North up.

Check the forum post for updates.

Update 17th August 2026: a very nice spectral sequence shows the early evolution of the spectrum.

Files associated with this observation

Nova_Tau_2026_spectrum_20260816.jpg (754.6 kB)

Like this image

Andy Wilson, Dominic Ford, Jeremy Shears, Callum Potter

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