Supernova+confirmation+procedure

=__Supernova confirmation procedure__=

See the requirements for a Supernova discovery report here: [] Procedure and information for CCD imaging: Supernovae Calibration check this : [] Bren is also done this: http://bmsupernova.wikispaces.com/REQUIREMENTS+FOR+SUPERNOVA+DISCOVERIES

· Step1: Digital Sky Survey : [] · Step2 : Interactive NGC catalouge [] · Step3 : Digital Sky Survey (NGC database) [] (off line at the moment) · Step4 : Sky map [] or [] · Step5 : List of Recent Supernova : [] · Step6 : Check the list of Recent Supernova or Possible supernova (PSN): [] · Step7a : Check your (super)nova suspects for known minor planets : [] · Step7b: Check for Satelites and Geostationary Satelites: [] · Step 7c: Check for variable stars https://www.aavso.org/vsx/index.php?view=search.top&ql=1 (select more near the bottom to put in coordinates) · Step8 : Look at the latest archive image (our own database) to see if the candidate is there or not · Step9 : If all else fails, use Google (images) to check for reference galaxy images · Step10 : Measure the offset (arcsec) of the candidates from the Galaxy core · Step11 : Measure the magnitude
 * At time T+0h, one must confirm that the candidate is not a known star neither an asteroid:**

· Step 12 : Try to make another image of the field of the candidate.
 * At T+24h, the goal is to confirm the candidate is really as star, not a ghost (cosmic ray, etc.):**

· Step 13 : Follow the requirements of how to Report Discovery of a Supernova : [] · Step 14 : Ensure that the discovery image and reference image are callibrated for position, magnitude and have the appropriate information displayed. · Step 15 : Mail to cbat@cfa.harvard.edu and copies to dgreen@cfa.harvard.edu & green@cfa.harvard.edu. Follow the appropriate email format below:-
 * If the first steps are good, report the discovery :**

= __Discovery and reference image preparation__ =

Images that are to be uploaded to the wiki, for linking into the discovery email, need to be calibrated for astrometric position, magnitude and display information.

The following pages outline the procedures to prepare the images.


 * How to plate solve an image**
 * How to determine the position and offset of the host Galaxy and Supernova**
 * How to determine magnitude of an object**
 * How to add data and lines to images for reporting**

=__Example Wikipages and emails to submit__=

See:- http://datscope.wikispaces.com/Possible+SN+in+NGC+587
Note that the date and time of an observation must be shown as a decimal fraction of a day. The calculation is:- ((HOUR*60*60)+(MINUTES*60)+(SECONDS))/86400


 * For information to be annotated onto images see:-** **How to add data and lines to images for reporting**

The Liverpool Astronomical Society Supernova Search (LASSS), report the discovery of an apparent Supernova (mag 19.5 +/- 0.5) with a 0.5M reflector (1160mm effective focal length, F2.32) and unfiltered CCD camera on 2009 May 29.976 (limiting mag 21.0) The new object is located at R.A. +53h16m20s, Decl. +2o56'07" (equinox 2000.0), which is approximately 9".9 west and 99".9 north of the centre of NGC6146. Nothing is present at this position on previous images from 2008 Aug. 4 and 2007 Oct. 6 (limiting mag 19.5) or on Digitized Sky Survey plates. No minor planets have been identified at this position for the date and time stated. Images of the apparent Supernova, and previous reference images, can bee seen in the following URL:- [|http://datscope.wikispaces.com] CCD uses a Sony ICX249AL EXview CCD, Spectral response: QE is of the order of 30% at 400nM, 70% from 470nM to 650nM. Images are 20 seconds, Bin 1. Image scale is 1.53 arc/sec pixel. Observatory location: Latitude +53o 16' 20", Longitude +2 56' 07" West
 * Example email 1**

David Thomson, Geoff Regan and Brendan Martin of the Liverpool Astronomical Society Supernova search (UK) report their independent discovery of 2009fl (Mag 19.5 +/- 0.5) with a 0.5M reflector + CCD camera (clear filter) on 2009 May 29.976. The object was found at R.A. +53h16m20s, Decl. +2o56'07" Images of the apparent Supernova, and previous reference images, can bee seen in the following URL: http://datscope.wikispaces.com/SN2009fl+in+NGC6146
 * Example email 2**

Credit for the procedure goes to: [] Other examples:- []