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Supernova in M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy
You visual observers with fairly large telescopes have a special opportunity to see a supernova in M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy in Canis Venatici just off the tip of the handle of the Big Dipper. You will need to download a chart from the VSP from the AAVSO web site, www.aavso.org.
Type in SN 2011DH in the star search box. You will need at least a "d" scale chart, and preferably an "e" scale.
I used my 14 1/4 inch reflector last night on an unusually dark, low humidity, pleasant temperature night for Florida. I could see the supernova at 14.4 magnitude. I was actually able to see (popping in and out of view) the 14.9 comparison star on the "e" chart.
Supernovae are really fun to see visually, because they are so rare and in another galaxy, which means great distance. M51 is perfectly placed now right after dark on the meridian. I encourage you to try it out. Good Observing. Don't wait to long, it may be out of view in a matter of days!
Chris Stephan
Robert Clyde Observatory
Sebring, Florida USA
Hi! Wow, 14.25 inch is something !!!! For those with smaller telescopes, it's well worth trying to use, for example, your DSLR (OK, kind of off-topic in this forum :-) ) . I've got a 6" Newtonian and was doing some measurements on another bright SN (a type Ia one , SN 2011by) with my DSLR earlier this year and the results were well in line with AAVSOCCD observations. I managed to get some images in between some clouds of the new SN in M51 a few days ago with the same equipment, but had no time to reduce them yet....probably by Monday. CS HB