M85. SN 2020 nlb

[Mike JW]

This type 1a Super Nova was discovered by Atlas just yesterday. I was fortunate to be given the heads up by a good friend. It is mag 16.4. At first I thought it was the obvious bright star (silly me, I should have known better as I have visited M85 before with the camera) but it is the faint intruder just below it. 

Worth re-visiting but we are rapidly loosing our chance as M85 is setting by the time we get past twilight.

Mike

 

[Bill S]

Mike

Well done to get that. I saw a message from the BAA today about it. According to the message it's been classified a Type 1a - the type where there is a binary system and material is transferred on to a white dwarf until it goes bang. See for instance:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_Ia_supernova

Also: https://britastro.org/node/22847

As you say we'll do well to see it as it sets in the twilight.

 

[Mike JW]

Thanks Bill. (Owen put me onto it).