The big news this week in astronomy circles is the discovery of a super nova in the constellation Cygnus. While the star is too dim to see, a little brighter than the distant Pluto, this is welcome news for anyone who likes to look up and enjoy the night sky.
The nova is believed to be in proximity to a spiral galaxy that is 22 million light years away, called NGC 6946. This galaxy has produced observable novas in the past. The constellation Cygnus is best placed for viewing in the late night sky, preferrably early morning.
The star was first sighted by an amateur astronomer, Patrick Wiggins of Utah, using his own telescope. This is great news for amateur astronomers. For despite all the large advances in astronomy, amateurs still advance astronomy with discoveries and careful methodical observing.
Mr. Wiggins’s discovery is based on comparing a picture he had just taken of the galaxy to a photo taken previously. The super nova shined where there had not been a visible star. The discovery was made May 14 and has since been confirmed by other astronomers.
How bright is the nova? It has been measured around 12th magnitude, which puts it out of reach of anyone without a sizeable instrument. Novas are stars that blow up. This one is believed brighter than any visible star in the vicinity. Were it to be in our own Milky Way, this super nova might easily out shine our own full moon.
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., May 19 | 5:18 | 7:57 |
| Sat., May 20 | 5:17 | 7:58 |
| Sun., May 21 | 5:16 | 7:59 |
| Mon., May 22 | 5:16 | 8:00 |
| Tues., May 23 | 5:15 | 8:01 |
| Wed., May 24 | 5:14 | 8:02 |
| Thurs., May 25 | 5:13 | 8:03 |
| Fri., May 26 | 5:13 | 8:04 |
| Day | Max (Fº) | Min (Fº) | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12 | 59 | 41 | 0.00 |
| May 13 | 59 | 46 | T |
| May 14 | 59 | 45 | 1.39 |
| May 15 | 54 | 47 | 0.18 |
| May 16 | 64 | 47 | 0.01 |
| May 17 | 77 | 54 | 0.00 |
| May 18 | 75 | 57 | 0.00 |
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