How to See a Supernova From Your Backyard This Weekend

[pokerfan]

The timing couldn’t be better. A new supernova, named PTF11kly, which was discovered on August. 24, 2011 is continuing to brighten and should be visible to backyard astronomers this weekend using just a pair of binoculars. It’s not quite naked-eye material but this is an exciting opportunity for amateurs (as well as the pros!) to view a supernova first-hand. Of course, if your backyard is full of light, the best option is to go to an area with darker skies, and you’ll be able to see it much better. Astronomers say PTF11kly will likely continue to shine for some time, and be at its brightest on about Sept. 9, 2011.

http://www.universetoday.com/88617/how-to-see-a-supernova-from-your-backyard-this-weekend

[truedelphi]

1. K & R. What part of the sky, direction-wise, would it be in

Over the USA and what time? Like One AM on the East Coast, 10Pm on the West Coast?

[laconicsax]

2. North.

Above the handle of the Big Dipper.

[truedelphi]

6. Much appreciated laconicsax. n/t

[bananas]

7. Print a star chart at www.heaven-above.com

Select your location from the database or map (unless you know your latitude and longitude),
then click on "Whole sky chart" (about half-way down the page),
set the time you plan to go watch,
and print out the chart.
www.heaven-above.com

[bananas]

8. Or use Clear Dark Skies

Select a viewing location,
it will show visibility predictions for the next 24 hours,
under that it says "Nifty Links" and has a link to a star chart.
http://cleardarksky.com/csk/

[WhiteTara]

9. Thanks! Just what I wanted to know.

I'm looking forward to seeing this. What time of night?

[pokerfan]

10. Ursa Major is always above the horizon

for most of North America but this time of year it's at its lowest around midnight (highest around noon) so anytime after it gets dark.

ETA: and after the Moon sets...

[WhiteTara]

11. Thank you! I have seen so much

phenomenon in my life, I can't bear to miss anything. Every sunrise and sunset awes me. Every moon rise brings a quickening to my spirit. Once I sat so I could see the comet and the eclipsing moon. I kept swiveling my head because each phenomenon was more fascinating than the other. An exploding star. What a sight that will be...so long ago that we get a heads up! The universe is so

[pokerfan]

12. Mark your calendar for 21 August 2017

The first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States since 1979.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_August_21,_2017

[WhiteTara]

13. Thanks for the heads up!

That will be cool. I saw the 79 eclipse so, yeah, bar the proverbial truck, I'll get to see 2017's.

[pokerfan]

4. It's in M101

AKA "The Pinwheel" which is in Ursa Major AKA "the Big Dipper" which is circumpolar for much of North America.

[truedelphi]

5. The big dipper is right over the grove of trees

Off yonder from my mail box -

So that tells me that all I need to do now is to find the binoculars.

Thanks!

[pokerfan]

3. deleted

wrong place

[krispos42]

14. It's in M101.

Damn, I just don't know why the articles can't simply say "Look for the bright dot in M101".

[laconicsax]

15. Unfortunately, I have mag 3-3.5 skies.

I'll be at a darker location on the 9th, but it's full moon time then.

[Brigid]

16. I think I just saw it.

I live in IN, and I am seeing what looks like a very bright star in the eastern sky. I wasn't even looking for it, but I looked up and it is clearly visible to the unaided eye. I just came here because it is so distinct from the other stars, and wanted to see if there was anything about a NEO around here lately.