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Actually Doug, i'd have to say, visually, only
about 100 hours in total, i've only actively started searching since the start
of 2002. As for the
photographs, i'd say approximately over 1000, it's
just a guess, mostly along the plane of the Milkyway, but i do feel that to get
a true 'feel' of what it takes, many many hours are required before success,
perhaps over a thousand or even more - it's all down to statistics when you look
at it - 1st an actual nova must appear, 2nd, the searcher must be looking in the
right place at the right time, weather - we all know what that can do & 4,
how patient is the observer, how much of their personal time are they willing to
devote?
I'd say chances overall for any individual to catch
a nova during their whole lifetime are slim at best - but then again, it could
happen tonight!!
Personally i've never discoveredone, but came very
close to getting Nova Sgr No.3, during September last year, i know that area of
the sky pretty well, i'd been scanning all summer, the night before, i planned
to look there, but typically the cloud rolled in. Still since it was a close
one, it only spurs me on. I hope this answers all,
Keep up the good work, Keith...
Keith: Do you know approximately how many hours you have observed visually and how many square degrees you have surveyed photographically? Have you had any novae discoveries? I am trying to get a feel for how much searching is required before a discover. Thanks, Doug West |
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