Update: November 16

Posted on 2007 November 16 @ 14:20 - filed under Astronomy.

According to AAVSO Special Notice #80 released today, Nova Puppis 2007 has been assigned the variable star name "V597 Pup", and is included in the AAVSO database as AAVSO 0812-33.

A spectrum, obtained at Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory, shows it to be an Fe II-type nova (IAUC 8896).

Sadly, the nova appears to be near maximum light, so there doesn't seem much chance of it becoming a naked-eye object.

Indeed, the latest observations logged at the AAVSO place it at V=8.1 (on November 16.0479).

Sigh.

New nova

Posted on 2007 November 15 @ 20:55 - filed under Astronomy.

A nova has erupted in Puppis, according to AAVO Alert Notice 362, dated November 14, 2007.

The erupting star was discovered by Portuguese astronomer Alfredo Jose Serra Pereira, who noticed the new star shining at about 7th magnitude. The star has since brightened to V=6.4 (November 14.47).

No spectra are yet available so its type is still unknown.

How to find Nova Puppis 2007

The nova lies at RA 08h 16m 18s, Dec –34°15' 25" (2000.0). This is in far-eastern Puppis, near the border with Pyxis. Puppis rises late evening from Southern Africa, and is well-placed for observation by midnight.

The beautiful open cluster NGC 2546, discovered in 1751 by Lacaille, lies in the same binocular field, 3.5° south-southwest.

For a wide-field finder chart, click on the thumbnail above. You can generate your own custom detailed chart using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter for Nova Puppis 2007, or download the one I made.

If you spot the nova, please let me know and I'll update this page with your comments, images and magnitude estimates.

Keywords: Astronomy, Nova, Puppis, November, 2007

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