Two Supernovae Observed by FT North
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Last week, FT North in Hawaii was used to observe two supernovae at the same time. They are both in the same galaxy, MCG+5-43-16, which is located in Hercules.
The supernovae are SN2007ck, which was discovered by the English amateur supernova hunter, Tom Boles on May 19th and SN2007co which was discovered by Joel Nicolas on June 4th. Their V magnitudes are 18.6 and 16.6 respectively.
Of further interest to researchers is the fact that the two supernovae are of different types. SN2007ck is a Type II and SN2007co is a Type Ia.
The main difference between Types I and II supernovae is the presence (or not) of hydrogen in the supernova's spectrum. Each type of supernova has a distinctive light curve which shows how the brightness fades over time. In the case of these two supernovae, both light curves will be able to produced at the same time.
The image is also available from the supernova portal, which is run by a group of Polish researchers working with schools all over the world as part of a joint FT/LCO and Hands on Universe programme.
The object is currently visible for the entire Hawaiian night and the suggested
co-ordinates for observers are
RA 18 23 08
dec +29 52 20
Whilst this does not place the supernova at the centre of the image, it allows researchers to locate suitable standard stars to enable them to perform accurate photometry.
Exposures of 60 seconds in BVR are recommended.
