Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

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Pete
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Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Pete »

Viewing U Scorpii is a WatzUp Challenge at many levels.

The first of which is simply getting registered with AAVSO to do Web Obs entries. I submitted my registration earlier this evening and await approval.

Just about all CCD photometric work is done thru UBVRI filters. These aren't cheap, and as such they really rate their own filter wheel, which makes them even less cheap. Maybe I'll just order a V for the time being, just to standardize things a bit. I can stick it in the 5th position of my existing filter wheel.

The wind is howling out there tonight, but it's still in the high 50s, so I went out and ran a set of binned and unbinned flats with the f/6.3 setup on the 14". Scorpius is still down. And guess which constellation the full moon adorns tonight? Right! Strike 1

Well, even with the wind I can probably get an improved M66 high resolution luminance image to replace the one that seemed to blow out on me in April. Dew point is down to about 3°C so I cool the camera to 10°C and take some one-minute darks. Upon completion of the darks I get run the first image and the whole thing is blown due to what I think is condensate.
Image
It only seems to happen when I've used the Outback Cooler. The camera isn't vacuum sealed and apparently it still has a higher humidity content inside from the last 2 weeks of rain. Strike 2

It's now approaching midnight so I'm going to wind this up. I'm still out - currently chasing dwarf planet Huya. Took a while to find it but I think I've captured it. Separate report to follow.

And by gum, Scorpius is rising!

Pete
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Galactus
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Recurrent Nova U Scorpii happening NOW!

Unread post by Galactus »

Hey guys! FINALLY! It should be visible in early morning...

http://www.universetoday.com/2010/01/28 ... has-begun/
Galactus, Devourer of Worlds
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Bruce D
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Bruce D »

George thanks for the heads-up :!:
Of course it's cloudy- :x
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Dark Helmet
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Dark Helmet »

AND SNOWY :-) :-)

Matt
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Mark G
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Mark G »

Typical, of our weather. We miss so many good things up there due to clouds. :lol:
Clear skies,

Mark

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Bruce D
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Bruce D »

Last night looked good but I'm too busy with the move
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NGC891
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by NGC891 »

Move? Are you the proud owner of a new home?
- BrianT
Bruce D
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Bruce D »

Yes indeed Brian, we closed Wednesday. We are very excited, and I hope to be sending observing invites in a week or so :!:
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NGC891
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by NGC891 »

Congratulations!!! I'm very happy for you. You've been working on this for a while. I would love to come take a look at it. I'll be watching for the invites. :D
- BrianT
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Re: Recurrent Nova U Scorpii

Unread post by Bruce D »

Thanks Brian, moving will be a long drawnout process but I haven't been there myself on a clear moonless night so I'm anxious to check out the skies and will enjoy some company.
Bruce D
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