Observation by Mike Harlow: Nova Tauri 2026

Uploaded by

Mike Harlow

Observer

Mike Harlow

Observed

2026 Sep 25 - 04:00

Uploaded

2026 Sep 25 - 08:03

Objects

Nova Tau 2026
Spectrum

Equipment

12inch F/3.6 astrograph
ASI6200MM CMOS camera
20cm diameter, 9 degree objective prism
Clear and 5nm H alpha filters

Location

Ipswich. UK

Target name

Nova Tauri 2026

Title

Nova Tauri 2026

About this image

As the nova has such strong H alpha emission thought it worth imaging through clear and narrow band filters to see the difference. Image A is through a clear filter showing the nova similar in brightness to the other field stars. Image B is through a 5nm Astrodon H alpha filter with the nova much brighter than anything else in the field. (A longer H alpha integration would have shown a more dramatic difference). Each field is ~17 x 17 arc minutes with north up.

The spectrum was a quick look between the Moon setting in the west and twilight developing in the East. Features more or less the same as in my last effort on 23rd September.

Files associated with this observation

Nova_Tau_20260925.jpg (238.1 kB)

Like this image

Alan Thomas, Dominic Ford, Callum Potter, Andy Wilson

Comments

Alan Thomas, 2026 Sep 25 - 10:10 UTC

Hi Mike

What was the pre-nova magnitude of Nova Tauri?

Alan

Mike Harlow, 2026 Sep 25 - 13:27 UTC

Hi Alan,

The first Astronomer's Telegram on this, ATel#17947 suggested about mag 22. And the ZTF image in my previous post doesn't show anything prior to outburst.

Mike.

Alan Thomas

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