[vsnet-chat 616] SN Confirmation Questions

["Wayne P. Johnson" <wpjohnson@anet.bna.boeing.com>]

     All,
     
     I think Jim made some good points here.
     
     W
     
     
______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________
Subject: Re[2]: Juno Mail
Author:  Jim A. Benet at RI_ANA_CC1
Date:    9/11/97 3:51 PM
     
     
     Wayne-
     
     I read the dialog between Brian Marsden and others, particularly 
     Taichi Kato.  
     
     I think Taichi is probably right.  It is better to announce a SN 
     observation early even if it isn't completely confirmed.  
     
     There are two issues here:  (1) Announcing the discovery and (2) 
     Crediting the discovering as a Supernova.
     
     The announcement should be made ASAP.  The credit and identification 
     of the object can take longer and that is OK.  Examine the following 
     two cases:
     
     (1) The Announcement
     "Wayne Johnson has observed a POSSIBLE supernova in NGC xxx on 9 Sept 
     1997 ...   Confirmation is requested."
     
     (2) The Credit and Confirmation
     "Wayne Johnson has discovered a supernova in NCG xxx on 9 Sept 1997 
     ... .  The discovery was confirmed by spectroscopy by Joe Astronomer 
     on ..."
     
     In the case that the SN was found to be a minor planet, the follow up 
     announcement would read as follows:
     
     "Joe Astronomer at Palomar Mountain Observatory has identified the 
     object in NCG xxx suspected to be a SN (IAUC 6459) as a previously 
     known minor planet (5430 Smith).  Identification was performed by 
     ..."
     
     
     Cheers.
     -- Jim

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