Is There a Reliable Supernova Alert System?

  • Context: Stargazing 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Loup909
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Supernova System
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
5 replies · 2K views
Loup909
Messages
2
Reaction score
1
I was wondering if there are any reliable Supernova alert systems, where they notify me as soon as a supernova happens. I have a 20 inch telescope, and I have SNEWS installed. However, since SNEWS is only a detection for nearby galaxies, I was wondering if there is any alert system for supernovae that applies to everything. I just want an alert system that tells me to jump on my telescope as soon as a supernova occurs. I'm actually a student doing a research project, and I'm looking to run to observatory as soon as a supernova happens. I'm trying to make a light curve for it and make it as complete as possible. I know that there's lists of recent supernovae that update once in a while, is there anyway to keep updated on all supernovae?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I hadn't heard of SNEWS, but according to the site it is only for supernovae in our galaxy. I don't think early detection is reliably available for more distant ones.
 
Reply
  • Informative
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Oldman too and Loup909
russ_watters said:
I hadn't heard of SNEWS, but according to the site it is only for supernovae in our galaxy. I don't think early detection is reliably available for more distant ones.
The entire point of SNEWS is to use the neutrino signal to pinpoint the supernova before it is visible in the electromagnetic spectrum. This of course has a limited range because of how sensitive neutrino detectors are.

Edit: Or rather, how non-interactive neutrinos are...
 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Oldman too, Loup909 and russ_watters
thanks guys! Understood!
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
There's CBAT, but a) it costs money and b) publishes all sorts of transient phenomena.

Also, a 20" may not be useful, depending on where you are located. You'll get a magnitude 15 event every few weeks. Depending on the light polution, this could be tough.
 
Reply
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: berkeman