[vsnet-chat 65] Awaiting a supernova...closeby!

[Berto Monard <lagmonar@csir.co.za>]

Hi,

I wish to thank the astronomers reponding to my queries. With
permission I will forward their postings to Dr Kato.
It would of course be great if some of the mentioned proceedings
or SSXS listings/tables/charts could be accessed via the web.

Pondering on the issue, I wonder how meaningful it would be to
monitor those 'nearby' targets with telescopes specifically (ie
only) for their eventual S/N act.
According to the theory the S/N explosion happens in a matter of
milliseconds and so (I think) is the initial rise in brightness. From
one moment to the next, RR Tel would increase from 11 to sub-0
magnitude. 
The chance of someone witnessing this process 'life' is zero/nil
and to discover this supernova, one doesn't need a scope! 
So why monitoring those targets at all? or is there a characteristic
plot of events preceeding the explosion? 
Surely something is (known to be) cooking prior to the event, like
specific or increased radio signaIs, neutrino spurs...but thinking of
amateurs with optical equipment can they expect to see something
indicative of the coming? 

Now just for the keen . Who dares to stick his neck out to predict
which of the suspected candidates will go off first. Certainly most
involved astronomers have their favorites! Let's give the secrets
away!
Personally I believe that S Dor's happy waves are already
underway. They have to travel far though! 

Take your pick! I am sure T Kato or the VSNET admin group
wouldn't mind to keep a record!

Regards and happy guessing,


Berto Monard

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