A supernova has been discovered in Messier 100. Spectroscopic observations reported today indicate the object is a type Ia event one to two weeks before maximum. At the moment, it is around mag. 15 but, assuming a typical absolute mag. of -19, may brighten to an apparent mag. 12 over the next couple of weeks bringing it into range of modest telescopes. The position is reported as: 12 22 53.9 +15 48 32 (J2000), which is about 45" southwest of the galaxy center. This AAVSO chart shows star magnitudes in the vicinity of M100 for comparison (also the position of the 1979 supernova, NOT the current one).
Great news Gordon, finally the chance to see a SN visually. Time to get out the big dobs and the photographic gear in two weeks when the moon will be out of the way too!!!!
