Alert bright supernovae discovered in NGC 5128

 

 

This image of nova SN2016adj was taken early this morning [11 Feb 2016].

 

RA 13h25m27.6s  DEC-43d01m09s

Supernovae explosions in distant galaxies are common, except they are usually too faint to be seen by amateur astronomers. On average they are below Mag 18 because of the immense distances involved. The most recent supernova discovery that is visible in amateur size telescopes was made on 8 February by Peter Marples using data from a 300mm F7 SCT telescope at Loganholme Observatory, Queensland, Australia. With a Mag of 14 it lies in the galaxy NGC5128 otherwise known as (Centaurus A).

The spectrum appears to be heavily reddened. The H-alpha emission line has been detected in the spectra, so the classification is consistent with a Type II supernova.

 

If you live in the southern hemisphere observations, and images, are enchouraged over the next clear evenings to track the progress of the novae before it fades from view.

I would like to include your images in my next program if I may, please send your contributions to: rpearson46@yahoo.com

Thank you for your valuable help.

Richard Pearson