March 16, 2015
Event: Nova Sagittarii 2015 No. 2 = PNV J18365700-2855420 [V5668 Sgr]
Discovered by: John Seach, Chatsworth Island, NSW, Australia
Discovery magnitude: 6.0 using DSLR and 50mm f/1.0 lens
Discovery date: 2015 March 15.634 UT
Coordinates: R.A. 18 36 56.84 Dec. -28 55 39.8 (2000.0)
Spectra: An optical spectrum by S. C. Williams (Liverpool John Moores University) et al. (ATel #7230) obtained 2015 March 16.27 UT using the FRODOspec spectrograph on the Liverpool Telescope at 2015 March 16.27 UT indicates N Sgr 2015 No. 2 is a classical Fe II nova.
J. Powles (PJOC, Latham, ACT, Australia) reports a low-resolution (R=260, 150 l/mm) spectrum obtained by him appears to be that of a Fe II nova shortly after maximum.
Observing recommendations: Observations of all types (visual, CCD, DSLR, spectroscopy) are strongly encouraged as this nova evolves. T. Finzell (Michigan State University) requests ongoing optical coverage in support of radio and x-ray observations being scheduled.
Charts: Charts for Nova Sgr 2015 No. 2 may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (VSP) at http://www.aavso.org/vsp. A binocular sequence for this nova is being created. However, comparison stars may be found now using VSP and requesting an 'a' or 'b' scale chart.
Observations reported to the AAVSO:
2015 Mar. 15.802 UT, 5.3 (K. Itagaki, Yamagata, Japan);
16.3131, 5.8 (AAX, A. Amorim, Florianapolis, Brazil);
16.3375, 5.9 (CLUB, L. Camargo da Silva, Brazil);
16.3604, 6.1 (Camargo da Silva);
16.5275, 5.8 R-CCD (E. Guido and N. Howes, 0.61-m f/6.5 astrograph+CCD) of ITelescope network (MPC Code U69, Auberry, CA);
16.74861, 6.0 (PEX, A. Pearce, Nedlands, WA, Australia);
16.77, 6.0 (CMQ, P. Camilleri, Warners Bay, Newcastle, NSW, Australia);
Submit observations: Please submit observations to the AAVSO International Database using the name "NOVA SGR 2015 NO. 2". Once a GCVS name has been assigned, please use that name.
Notes:
a. Assigned the name PNV J18365700-2855420 when posted to the IAU Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams Transient Object Confirmation Page (TOCP) at http://www.cbat.eps.harvard.edu/unconf/tocp.html
b. Follow-up observations made by Seach on Mar. 2015 15.726 UT showed a bright H-alpha source visible on 6 DSLR images using a 50mm f/1.0 lens and H-alpha filter. Seach reports nothing was visible down to magnutude 10.5 on a survey image taken March 14.590 UT.
c. Position end figures
- K. Itagaki (Yamagata, Japan, using 0.5m f/6.8), 2015 Mar. 15.802 UT, 56.87s, 39.3"
- E. Guido and N. Howes (iTelescope network (MPC Code U69, Auberry, CA), 2015 Mar. 16.5275, 56.85s, 40.0"
d. P. Schmeer (SPK, Bischmisheim, Germany) reports two USNO-B1.0 catalog stars within 6" of the nova: USNO-B1.0 0610-0784943, position end figures 57.095s, 43.88", B1=17.17, R1=16.82, B2=16.86, R2=16.42, I=15.55 mag; USNO-B1.0 0610-0784923, 56.912s, 38.88", R1=14.36, B2=13.62, R2=13.65, I=15.08 mag; and a GALEX source 3.6" from the nova: GALEX J183656.8-285539, 56.796s, 39.60", NUV= 17.323 mag.
e. Images:
- E. Guido and N. Howes (iTelescope network (MPC Code U69, Auberry, CA), annotated confirmation image: http://bit.ly/1FrQLhi
- E. Guido and N. Howes, animation comparing their confirmation image to archive POSS2/UKSTU plate (R Filter, 1996): http://bit.ly/1EpSCS9
Congratulations to John Seach on his latest discovery!
This AAVSO Alert Notice was compiled by Elizabeth O. Waagen.
----------------------------------
SUBMIT OBSERVATIONS TO THE AAVSO
Information on submitting observations to the AAVSO may be found at:
http://www.aavso.org/webobs
ALERT NOTICE ARCHIVE AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
An Alert Notice archive is available at the following URL:
http://www.aavso.org/alert-notice-archive
Subscribing and Unsubscribing may be done at the following URL:
http://www.aavso.org/observation-notification#alertnotices
-------------------------------------------------
Please support the AAVSO and its mission -- Join or donate today:
http://www.aavso.org/apps/donate/