Littleguy80

Without a doubt. Mine is around 19.7 and I saw it with the 10”. Easy with a 16”!

Good luck, Stu. Fingers for some clear skies! I’ve observed this a couple of times this new moon period. Has been consistently brightening so you have a good shot at getting it.

Currently listed at mag 12.5 here: https://www.rochesterastronomy.org/supernova.html

Observed the SN again this evening. Best views at 240x but comfortably seen in direct vision at 120x. Seems to be brighter than previous viewing. Mid to low mag 12 based on comparison to other nearby stars.

Brilliant image, Andy. Thanks for posting. Lovely to see a capture like that after seeing it at the eyepiece!

Great images, Paul. Just enjoyed some time observing them over lunch time. Nice to be back to lunch time observing sessions in the sun

Bright Supernova reported in Virgo. Host galaxy is NGC 4647 which is right next to M60. I observed the SN last night with my 10" dob. Currently it's list at Mag 13.0 and has been brightening the past few nights. https://www.rochesterastronomy.org/supernova.html#2022hrs I found this image really helpful in identifying the SN. Observing report below:

Thank you. You'll have a lot of fun with the 10" dob. It will show you an incredible amount under dark skies. Last night I was just observing from home which was probably around the high 19's on the SQM though I didn't think to take a reading. The 10" dob is a great all rounder.

Thank you. Happy hunting

Well done on seeing it. I find SN really exciting too and agree it's better when the host galaxy is visible too. I also love the thought that it's a real look back in time. NGC 4647 is 56 million light years away so we're seeing something that happened that long ago!

Feeling a bit tired but drawn to the clear skies, I had a look at the last supernova reports seeking inspiration. It came in the form of a SN reported in the galaxy NGC 4647 in Virgo, designated 2022hrs. Whilst the listed magnitude was 13.7, I noticed more recent reports putting it at 13.5/13.6, indicating it was brightening. I'm a big fan of event astronomy, things that you can only see for a short period of time. Supernovae, Comets, Asteroid passes and planetary conjunctions have alway drawn me to the eyepiece. I quickly took the 10" dob outside and checked collimation. I was pleased to find my trusty dob was well collimated, needing no adjustment. I used Acturus to align the finders and then started with M53 as a range finder. The globular cluster showing well as a hazy patch at low power. The transparency looked good which boded well for the session ahead. With my dark adaption improving with each passing minute, I headed straight to Vindemiatrix. From there, I moved into the bowl of Virgo. The first galaxies found were NGC 4762 and NGC 4754. I lingered on these, slowly moving them around the field of view, finding the sweet spot with averted vision. Feeling satisfied that my eyes were ready for the test ahead, I moved onto M60. The host galaxy of the SN, NGC 4647, sits right next to M60. Looking at images of the SN, I knew I'd find it sitting between those two galaxies. Initially, no sighting at 60x mag. Perhaps something in averted vision at 96x. A definite glimpse of a point source at 120x. When I reached 163x mag, I was feeling confident that I was seeing the SN. I took the final leap to 240x where I felt very confident that the small point of light was the SN. I used two reference stars which appeared in images of the SN and identified them in the eyepiece and SkySafari. My impression was that the SN was a bit brighter than the 13.5-13.7 figures I'd seen online. I moved away and back several times to see if I could repeatedly find it. I like to be sure of my observations! With a satisfied grin, I officially ticked the box of observing my 11th SN, the first of the year. Checking reports this evening, it's now listed at mag 13.0. I continued observing in Virgo, with a weak observation of the Siamese Twins followed by wonderful views of Markarian's Chain. For a final fun target, I observed the Owl Cluster. Those bright eyes and the delicate chains of stars that create the appearance of an Owl bringing a smile to my face. I started the session feeling tired but came in feeling energised with a big lift in my mood. Time under the stars is a wonderful thing.

Inspired by this thread I got my Ha scope out this afternoon. Lots to see, proms, filaments and AR’s. One Prom was a really good size. Mind blowing to consider how much mass it represented and comparisons to the size of Earth.

Thanks Phil. I’ll definitely give 104P a shot. What is your comet filter? I’ve often toyed with getting one of the Lumicon Swan filters. Great links btw.

Thank you so much for this post, Phil. Inspired me to get out and try for this comet tonight with the 10” dob. Tricky with the moon but found success with a 12.5mm eyepiece. Gentle tapping of scope confirmed the faint hazy patch was really there. Went on to enjoy a bit of Lunar observing after that. 19P Borrelly is the 20th comet I’ve observed. Comets are amongst my very favourite objects to observe.

Thank you. I think that’s the nice side to taking a break, rediscovering these things. I’m sure it can sometimes mean you spot different features as you’re not trying to match up what you to what you expect to see.

Thank you 😊 Looking forward to testing them further!

Thanks Damian I recall have a couple of failed attempts at the Medusa nebula a two or three years back. Time for another attempt with a low power eyepiece Hope things are turning a corner and we see some reports from you soon

Thank you so much, Dave 😊I’m feeling much more motivated to get out observing and turn in some more reports!

Thanks Paul. Fingers crossed you can get out soon!

Thanks Stephan, that’s really kind of you to say so I’d not heard of it being called the Collarbone nebula before, good name! The weather has definitely been a big factor in my lack of observing too. Just in from another fun session this evening though so things are looking up (pun intended). Like you, I’m really looking forward to those spring galaxies!

Thanks Iain. I wasn’t sure whether the wind was going to be an issue but was fine while I was out. Hope all goes well with the roofers.

Thanks Mike. I think that’s spot on. I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable with shorter sessions in the past couple of years. Your Tak is perfect for just about any length of session

Thanks Stu. It’s tricky to fit everything in isn’t it? I have set my sights on getting some observing in even if it’s only grabbing a quick half hour. Even the superficial sessions can be great fun

Thanks Doug. It seems like most of us go through quite spells. Life gets in the way as they say. Great to hear you’re still enjoying the doubles. I did take a look at Izar last night. Always a favourite 😊 Family are all doing well thank you. Growing up too fast. Next weekend sees us child number two become a teenager! Hope you guys are doing well too.

Thanks John 😊I guess Astronomy is like riding a bike. You never forget how!