15th May 2010

Nova

Korean astronomers detected a new object at mag 10.8 in Pegasus, near its borders with Cygnus and Vulpecula. The initial observation was on May 6 at about 18h; by the same time on May 7 it had brightened to mag 8.4. The location of the object is: RA 21h 38m 06s.571, Decl. +26º 19' 57".33

The object is now being classified as a dwarf nova of the WZ Sagittae type - that is, a binary star in which material from one star falls onto a white dwarf and eventually causes an outburst. This particular binary star appears to have a period of about 82 minutes. Dwarf-nova outbursts can take place every few decades, so this star will probably have another outburst in years to come.
6" Newtonian, Canon 350D, 1x38sec
   
 

M57 Ring Nebula
6" Newtonian, Canon 350D 28 x 3minutes

 
   
 
Central star clearly visible. There is a hint of the other star in the nebula at 2 o'clock from the centre