Nova and Supernova

 T Coronae Borealis Observation - April 15, 2024

This is an observation of the star T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) which has the possibility of brightening to be viewed with the naked eye at some point this year. Currently, my magnitude estimate is 10.15 is based on 55 x 60 second images and determined using Tycho software. There are only four stars like this in our galaxy and you can read more about this upcoming event from NASA (https://blogs.nasa.gov/Watch_the_Skies/2024/02/27/view-nova-explosion-new-star-in-northern-crown/)
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 55 x 60 second exposures, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho software. Image Date: April 15, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Galaxy NGC 4216 and Supernova 2024gy

This is NGC 4216 currently containing a bright supernova designated as 2024gy. This is two hours of collected data showing the visual magnitude to be 12.8. 
Observation data (J2000 epoch)Constellation: VirgoRight ascension: 12h 15m 54.4sDeclination: +13° 08′ 58″Distance: 55 MlyApparent magnitude (V): 11.0Apparent size (V): 8.1′ × 1.8′
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 120 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInsight, and Tycho software packages. Image Date: January 22, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2024bch in Galaxy NGC 3206

This is the galaxy designated NGC 3206 in the constellation Ursa Major. The galaxy currently has a supernova designated as SN 2024bch. It was discovered on January 29, 2024 by Patrick Wiggins from the University of Utah (USA). During my 60-minutes of collected data, SN 2024bch showed a magnitude of 14.7, dimming from its peak magnitude in early February 2024.
Tech Specs: Orion 8” RC Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 60 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: March 7, 2024. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
4/30/24 - magnitude 16.5 (V)

Nova AT2023uri in the Andromeda Galaxy

Here is a view of a new nova near the core of the Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) designated as AT2023uri. This supernova was discovered on October 11, 2023 by the Xingming Observatory Sky Survey (XOSS). My magnitude estimate for this observation was 16.2 using Tycho Tracker software.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, Optolong L-eXtreme 2” filter, 1 hour using 5-minute exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: October 18, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023wrk in NGC 3690

This is NGC 3690, also cataloged as Arp 299, it is a pair of colliding galaxies approximately 134 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. Since 1992, thirteen supernovae have been detected in Arp 299. In this image 70 x 60 second frames were stacked to help determine the magnitude of this most recent supernova, which is estimated to be magnitude 15.0.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 70 x 60 seconds, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInisght, and Tycho software packaged. Image Date: December 12, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023ixf in Galaxy Messier 101

Finally some clear skies! Here is an updated view of supernova 2023ixf in the galaxy Messier 101 (The Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major). Tycho Tracker estimated the magnitude of the supernova to be 11.7 at the time of my observation, my last session was May 25, 2023 when the estimated magnitude was 11.05.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 50x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: June 18, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023gfo in Galaxy NGC 4995

Here is an updated view of supernova 2023gfo in the galaxy NGC 4995 in the constellation Virgo. Tycho Tracker estimated the magnitude of this supernova to be 15.7 at the time of my observation on June 19, 2023.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 30x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: June 19, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023ijd in Galaxy NGC 4568

Here is a view of supernova 2023ijd located in the galaxy NGC4568 (NGC4567 is the adjacent galaxy) in the constellation Virgo. Using Tycho Tracker, the estimated magnitude of the supernova was 15.8.  These galaxies are in the process of colliding and merging with each other.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 81x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker, DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 15, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023ixf in Galaxy Messier 101

After a dismal evening of trying to image through a thick envelope of Canadian smoke over Pennsylvania, I managed to collect 4.5 hours of data on supernova 2023ixf in the galaxy Messier 101 (The Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major). The resulting image looks more like 30-minutes of data under better seeing conditions. Tycho Tracker estimated the magnitude of this supernova to be 11.4 at the time of my observation.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 265x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS, PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: May 21, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023dbc Observation in Galaxy Messier 108 (M108) 

Here is a view of supernova SN2023dbc in the galaxy Messier 108, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 17.4. This is a Type II supernova and results from the rapid collapse and violent explosion of a massive star.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 3 x 180 seconds at -10C, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 19, 2023 @ 00:30 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023gfo in Galaxy NGC 4995 

Here is a view of supernova 2023gfo located in the galaxy NGC 4995 in the constellation Virgo. Using Tycho Tracker, the estimated magnitude of the supernova was 15.03.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at 0F, 39x60 seconds guided exposures, Sky-Watcher EQ6R-Pro pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in Tycho Tracker, DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: May 10, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2022aaiq Observation in Galaxy NGC5631 

Here is a view of supernova SN2022aaiq in the galaxy NGC 5631, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 15.7. This is a Type Ia supernova, a type of supernova that occurs in binary systems (two stars orbiting one another) in which one of the stars is a white dwarf. The other star can be anything from a giant star to an even smaller white dwarf.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 16, 2023 @ 00:30 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2023bvj Observation in Galaxy NGC3021 

Here is a view of supernova SN2023bvj in the galaxy NGC 3021, at the time of my observation the estimated magnitude was 15.9. This is a Type II supernova and results from the rapid collapse and violent explosion of a massive star.
Tech Specs: Orion 8" f/8 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph Telescope, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ASI071MC-Pro, ZWO AAPlus, ZWO EAF, 60 x 60 seconds at -10C plus darks, processed using Tycho Tracker. Image Date: March 16, 2023 @ 00:30 UT. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W95), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2022aagp in NGC 2777 

Here is a view of supernova SN2022aagp in the galaxy NGC 2777, at the time of my observation the magnitude was calculated to be 15.1.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 25, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2022aaiq in NGC 5631 

Here is a view of supernova SN2022aaiq in the galaxy NGC 5631, at the time of my observation the magnitude was calculated to be 14.7 but I am getting interference from the galaxy core.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 47 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 25, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2023axu in NGC 2283 

Here is a view of supernova SN2023axu in the galaxy NGC 2283, at the time of my observation was at magnitude 14.9.
Galaxy Details:Constellation: Canis MajorMagnitude: 12.95 (B)Right ascension: 06h45mDeclination: -18°12' Distance: 9.9 Mpc 32.3 Mlyr
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 24, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2023bee in NGC 2708 

Here is a view of supernova SN2023bee in the galaxy NGC 2708, at the time of my observation was at magnitude 13.2.
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED Telescope, ZWO AS2600mc-Pro running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir Plus, 54 x 60 seconds with darks. Stacked in DSS and processed in PixInsight and Tycho Tracker. Image Date: February 24, 2023. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova 2022wsp in NGC7448 

Here is a view of a supernova in the galaxy NGC7448, a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pegasus. The supernova is designated as SN2022wsp, my calculated magnitude was 15.31 but I think it's proximity to the galactic core increased this estimate.
Tech Specs: Meade LX-90 12" Telescope with Antares f/6.3 FR,  ZWO ASI071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 55 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using Tycho Tracker v9.3.7. Image Date: October 19, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2022wsp in NGC 7448 

Here is my observation of supernova SN2022wsp in galaxy NGC7448 last evening. Calculated magnitude was 15.38 using Tycho Tracker. Last observation was on 21 Oct 22 with a magnitude of 15.31.
Tech Specs: Meade LX-90 12" Telescope with Antares f/6.3 FR,  ZWO ASI071 running at -10C, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, 55 x 60 second guided exposures, focused with a ZWO EAF, controlled with a ZWO ASIAir Pro. Processed using Tycho Tracker v9.3.7. Image Date: October 28, 2022. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2020fqv in Galaxy NGC 4568 

Here is a view of the Siamese Twins Galaxies, also known as the Butterfly Galaxies, located in the constellation Virgo. These galaxies are in the early phase of colliding and merging with each other. Also identified in this image is a new supernova designated SN2020fqv that was discovered on March 31, 2020 by the Zwicky Transient Facility. The magnitude of the supernova is about 15.5. The galaxies are about 60-million light years away from Earth.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 44 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 25, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Nova Cassiopeia 2021 Observation

Here is a view of the open cluster Messier 52 (M52) and a bright nova designated as Nova Cassiopeia 2021. This observation was done on May 17, 2021 with an estimated magnitude of 6.5. 
Tech Specs: Sky Watcher Esprit 120ED, Celestron CGEM-DX pier mounted, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 81 x 60 second at 0C, 20 darks and 20 flats, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using ZWO ASIAir Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 17, 2021. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).

Supernova SN2020hvp in Galaxy NGC 6118 

Here is a shot of the galaxy NGC 6118, it is a grand design spiral galaxy located 83 million light-years away in the constellation Serpens. It measures roughly 110,000 light-years across; about the same as our own galaxy, the Milky Way. The magnitude of this galaxy is about 12.4. The "dot" in this image is a star that has gone supernova, designated SN2020hvp, inside that galaxy. Estimated magnitude in this image is 16.5. This supernova was discovered on April 21, 2020.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 45 x 60 second exposures (Gain 200, Offset 65, Temp 5-degrees F), guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 25, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Supernova SN2020hvf in Galaxy NGC 3643

Here is a view of the galaxy NGC 3643 that shines with a magnitude of just 13.5, also in this view is supernova SN2020hvf, you can see how it outshines even the galactic core, impressive. This is a Type Ia supernova.
From Wikipedia: A type Ia supernova (read "type one-a") is a type of supernova that occurs in binary systems (two stars orbiting one another) in which one of the stars is a white dwarf. The other star can be anything from a giant star to an even smaller white dwarf.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 44 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 25, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.

Supernova 2019ein in Galaxy NGC 5353 

Here is an image of the supernova in galaxy NGC 5353, 110+ million light years away. This is an 11-minute stacked image of the supernova and surrounding area.
This is a type Ia supernova and are thought to be the result of the explosion of a carbon-oxygen white dwarf in a binary system either due to accretion from a donor or mergers. (ref: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/T/Type+Ia+Supernova)
Tech Specs: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor,  Canon 6D, ISO 3200, 11 x 60 seconds (with darks and bias frames), guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Image date: 30 June 2019. Location: The Dark Side Observatory in Weatherly, PA, USA.

SN 2020jfo in Messier 61

Here is a view of the relatively new supernova SN 2020jfo located in the beautiful spiral galaxy Messier 61 in the constellation Virgo. The left image was taken on May 13, 2020 showing the bright supernova, the image on the right was taken on April 1, 2019. Doing a quick comparison, it looks to be hovering at magnitude 14.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90, ZWO ASI071mc-Pro, 55 x 60 second exposures, guided using a ZWO ASI290MC and Orion 60mm guide scope. Captured using Sequence Generator Pro and processed using PixInsight. Image date: May 13, 2020. Location: The Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, PA, USA.