Note to self: get outside fast. RS Ophiuchi, a periodic nova, has exploded.


It's been 21 years since the last explosion. It's usually 10th magnitude, right now it's about 5th magnitude, making it a naked-eye object for a while. Read about it here. (Update- As far as I can tell, based on the AAVSO's chart and location of RS Ophiuchi, it is also named TYC-5094-550-1. This will help Starry Night users.) Also, here in New Hampshire, one must get up around 4:30AM or so to see this. Boo.

Update 2/24/06: Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is RS Ophiuchi.

It appears to have faded a half magnitude in the last 24 hours, so don't wait too long. The Sky & Telescope link includes finder charts, too.

Posted: Fri - February 24, 2006 at 10:40 AM             |

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