Finally after many years , I have discovered the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi is in outburst at visual magnitude 5.0, from Ireland !!
here is my report:
Hello CBAT/ all , I wish to report the visual outburst of recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi as follows:
Current Observation Information: (as of time of sending)
Observer: Keith Geary, Ireland.
Place of observation: Dunbratton County Waterford , Ireland
Date and UT of observation: 08 August 2021 2220UT
Object Confirmed Via: Binoculars/DSLR
Estimated Magnitude: 5.0
Observer Location & latitude: 52 16 35N
7.3 degrees West
Limiting magnitude (visual - naked eye): 6.0
Seeing (1 to 5 - best to worst): 3
Charts Used: AAVSO chart X20922HZC
Moon up (phase?): no
Instrument: 20x100mm binoculars
Filters used: none
Object: Recurrent Nova
Constellation: ophiuchus
Contact E-mail Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If a telescope can fit into your backyard it's too small. If you can't move it, it's too big." -- John Dobson
The following user(s) said Thank You: michael_murphy, flt158, Fermidox, scfahy, Until_then-Goodnight!, Paul-Byrne
Congratulations Keith! A fantastic achievement and great dedication to keep monitoring the star.
John
John Flannery ( aurorawatcher - at * gmail - dot * com ... remove hyphens/asterisks/spaces for email)
The chicken's motive for crossing the road would not be questioned in an ideal world
The following user(s) said Thank You: flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!
Thanks gents, it's nice to see it hit the headlines !
Aubrey - I would imagine I have looked at it around 200 times since the year 2003. I nearly discovered it's previous outburst in 2006, but I was beaten by the clouds. Don't forget there are many other star systems like this that we know something or next to nothing about, the lure of variable star astronomy is addictive.
I love the anticiaption before observing, you never know just what you will get
Keith.
If a telescope can fit into your backyard it's too small. If you can't move it, it's too big." -- John Dobson
The following user(s) said Thank You: flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!
Fabulous! Well deserved recognition for your amazing dedication Keith.
Clouded out here in Limerick tonight - looking at the last outburst it maintained max magnitude for about a day and dropped 2-3 mags over the next 2 weeks.
Thanks Finbarr, I have observed RS Ophiuchi again tonight at 2307 UT August 9th 2021 with my 20x100mm binoculars, I estimated it’s visual magnitude at 4.8. It struck me that to me there is a change in colour - the star was initially blue in early outburst, I now saw a pale yellow colour.Keith.
If a telescope can fit into your backyard it's too small. If you can't move it, it's too big." -- John Dobson
The following user(s) said Thank You: flt158, Fermidox, Until_then-Goodnight!
Well done Keith, the patience finally paid off and your rewarded with your a Nova in the international astronomical headlines. A great addition to many previous Irish Amateur astronomers who have been successful with their own discoveries including John Birmingham one of the first nova hunters who in 1866 discovered the recurring T Corona Borealis.
Ronan Newman
The following user(s) said Thank You: johnflannery, flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!
And so here it is 3½ days after outburst; I would estimate mag 5.3 which is a couple of tenths brighter than the latest AAVSO figures. The GAIA 2 distance is 7380 LY. Also saw two bright Perseids, one of which was ~mag -2 and left a trail for 15 seconds!
Finbarr.
The following user(s) said Thank You: flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!, Paul-Byrne
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