[vsnet-chat 763] SN Questions (Re: vsnet-alert 1547)

["Steve H. Lucas" <76620.1721@compuserve.com>]

Rudolf Novak wrote: 

>>"Is it still important for amateur astronomers to obtain light curves of
supernovae?
 It should be usefull for cosmologic SN's but also for this bright ones?

 How probable is that on Palomar survey is some SN in some galaxy? It
means know someone name of the galaxy which had a SN in when images was
obtained?"<<

The short answer to your query is probably not! (Cosmologically) However,
since I personally champion the idea of post-monitorings of SNe event
decay, I would have to say yes! I must caution that I am away from my
resources of reference (but can forward them to you upon your request)and
will only touch on a few thoughts.....

1.) One must consider that the amateur resource is much more abundant than
the professional contingency for monitoring these events. Thusly,
photometry (be it visual or instrumentational) can in some cases fill in
the gaps that are otherwise missing from professional data (this has
occured on many occasions in which collegues of mine and/or myself were
involved). Primarily this was the result of bad weather, or for other
reasons. 

2.)Visual photometry involving some events, especially those close to the
host galaxy's core can be readily obtained verses some instrumentational
data (Iris-photometer) (Barbon, et. al [I do not have the reference
handy]).

3.) Compiling a database of bright events (or not so bright events) can
give a sense of purpose (or an aesthetic pleasure, if you will) to the
amateur who cares to involve him/herself in some sort of research regarding
these phenomena....obtaining a meaningful light curve is one of these
tools. On another note: I might point out that the Sternberg Astrophysical
Observatory is compiling a huge database of SNe lightcurves (professional
data). I have not known of any resource of this magnitude to exist anywhere
else [again I can forward the reference and address upon your request]

4.)Why would an amateur or group want to monitor a bright event? To form a
cohesivness with other observers is a good reason, and once such data is
obtained, to be able to compare an events behaviour with other events of
that type/s. Which might compliment any professional data/information of an
event....or...this information could become the subject for articles
written by amateurs for amateurs ie. The International Supernovae Network,
or VSNET, or other amateur publications. My own personal stance on this
whole subject (as you can probably tell) is to keep looking and
estimating.....

In answer to your second query: Yes many "old (or dead) supernovae" have
been discovered. Fritz Zwicky used to find many events this way by
examining overlaps of the original POSS plates, in fact his wife, Magrit
even found one when she visited him at Cal Tech in 1956. If you check
either the Sternberg Supernovae Master List, or The Asiago Supernovae List,
you will undoubtably find some of these events that have modern
designations (from older plates)...Oh! I forgot to mention that Michael
Richmond's Home Page (reference available) contains information on some of
these events also....

Cheers,

Steve H. Lucas
International Supernovae Network

VSNET Home Page

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