[vsnet-chat 671] Re: Nova in the Large Magellanic Cloud 1997

[Doug Welch <welch@physics.mcmaster.ca>]

Hi Fraser,

There is a simple explanation. The template data for the SMC field
in which a nova was found was only installed in our database in the
last year. That is, had it been installed at the beginning of the
project, we would have alerted on it. However, images were taken of
a number of fields that had not yet had database templates installed.
So it was necessary to wait for a "ReObs" pass through the stored
images on tape for the SMC nova to come to light.

The delay for the LMC nova was simply due to us having other priorities -
the microlensing science. We also have a number of background supernovae
that have yet to appear as IAUC - again because they are over and have
lower priority.

Cheers,
Doug

On Mon, 20 Oct 1997, Fraser Farrell wrote:

> 
> G'day Doug,
>   
>    >I thought that some of you might be interested in one of
>    >the items in IAU Circular 6756 concerning a nova in the LMC
>    >discovered by our Project.
>    >"NOVA IN THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD 1997
>    >The MACHO collaboration (cf. IAUC 6312) reports their
>    >discovery of an apparent nova in the Large Magellanic Cloud at R.A.
>    >= 5h04m26s.7, Decl. = -67o38'38" (equinox 2000.0).  The nova peaked
>    >in brightness sometime between consecutive observations on June
>    >3.398 UT (prior to eruption) and June 16.395 (when the star was at
>    >least 8.5 mag brighter than on June 3, at V about 13.5 or brighter).
>    >Currently, the nova is at V about 17.9."
> 
> Is there some technical reason why the MACHO project takes so long to
> report novae?  Your team seems to have no problem in announcing impending
> gravity lens events.
> 
> It seems ironic that news of a discovery from Chile reaches me within
> hours, but one from a telescope in my own country takes 4(!) months.
> 
> Mind you (if the speed of my last tax refund is any indication) it seems to
> take ages for _anything_ useful to emerge from Canberra nowadays! :-)
> 
> 
> cheers,
> Fraser Farrell
> 
> http://vsnet.dove.net.au/~fraserf/   email: fraserf@dove.net.au
> traditional: PO Box 332, Christies Beach, SA  5165, Australia
> 
> 

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 Douglas L Welch     | Research office/voicemail (905) 525-9140 x23186  
 Physics & Astronomy | Chair's office            (905) 525-9140 x24263
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 Canada L8S 4M1      | E-mail                welch@physics.mcmaster.ca
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