Was a New Supernova Discovered in the Galaxy Centaurus A?

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SUMMARY

A new supernova was confirmed in the Centaurus A galaxy (NGC 5128) on February 7, 2016, with an observed magnitude of approximately 14. Amateur astronomers, including Mark Sansom and John McConnell, played a crucial role in its discovery, utilizing equipment such as the Canon 6D and CPC11 telescope. The discussion highlights the ongoing potential for amateur astronomers to contribute to significant astronomical discoveries, particularly through systematic observations of various galaxies.

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  • Understanding of supernova classification and observation techniques
  • Familiarity with astronomical imaging tools, specifically Canon 6D and CPC11 telescope
  • Knowledge of magnitude scales in astronomy
  • Experience in systematic sky surveys for celestial phenomena
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  • Learn about supernova discovery methods and reporting protocols
  • Explore the role of amateur astronomers in modern astronomy
  • Investigate the characteristics and significance of Centaurus A (NGC 5128)
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Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers, and anyone interested in the discovery and observation of celestial events, particularly supernovae.

davenn
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hi gang

@russ_watters
@Drakkith
@Andy Resnick

meant to post this last week, been really busy
A new supernova was discovered last Sunday, 7 Feb 2016 in the galaxy, Centaurus A radio galaxy (NGC5128). Currently it is around a 14th magnitude object

a couple of pix from fellow Australian amateur astronomer friends who were pretty much the first to publicise this event

in this image it is the faint star at 6 o'clock position ( below the brighter foreground star)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12717368_944180858982445_3261868702856250836_n.jpg?oh=d82d173e72e8696fcc56d89a673bc6a8&oe=572A4FC4&__gda__=1462410926_7f64579133012dcaa57b79b09a25750b
Credit - Mark Sansom, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia
His comments ...
It seems I may have inadvertently made a prediscovery of a possible Supernova in NGC 5128 on Saturday night. 20x15sec CPC11 at f6 Canon 6D ISO6400. Cropped. 7th February 13:15 UTC

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/t31.0-8/12694716_887319964698650_441417299344063871_o.jpg
Credit - John McConnell, Coonabarabran, NSW, AustraliaI tried imaging it on Saturday night 13th Feb, but the 400mm telephoto lens was a little underpowered
I had to use a good amount of imagination to convince myself that I captured itcheers
Dave
 
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Cool!

It still amazes me the amateurs still have a chance at new discoveries in Astronomy with all the high powered telescopes now operating in the world today.
 
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jedishrfu said:
Cool!

It still amazes me the amateurs still have a chance at new discoveries in Astronomy with all the high powered telescopes now operating in the world today.

I think probably relates to the fact that the big observatories are primarily doing dedicated research on specific objects
where as amateurs are scanning the skies in general and are more likely to discover such things
specially for a small dedicated group of amateurs that do continuous methodical sweeps of a large number of galaxies looking for supernovae

The Rev. Robert Evans of NSW, Australia being at the top of the list of those peopleDave
 

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