The Nova/Supernova Award

At the Annual Meeting in October, 1928, a Nova Award Medal was instituted to encourage and recognize the visual discoverers of novae. The Medal was not restricted to members of the AAVSO, but it would be awarded to the original discoverer of a nova by direct visual methods. Initially, the medals were made of gold and were donated by AAVSO member and jeweler, David B. Pickering. The Nova Award Medal was discontinued, and the Nova Award Plaque was awarded in its place on subsequent occasions. This award is also awarded to the visual discoverer of supernova. The following is the list of AAVSO Nova and Supernova Award recipients.

69. Robert O. Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of Supernova 2007it in NGC 5530 September 13.44 UT.

The award was announced at the 96th Annual Meeting.

68. Peter Williams, Heathcote, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of Nova Ophiuchi 2006 No. 2 (V2576 Oph) on April 6.565 2006 UT.

The award was announced at the 95th Annual Meeting.

67. Robert O. Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of Supernova 2005df in NGC 1559 on August 4.625 UT.

The award was announced at the 93rd Annual Meeting.

66. Robert O. Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of the following supernovae:

Supernova 2003B near NGC 1097 on January 5.5 UT
Supernova 2003gd IN M74 NGC 628 on June 12.82 UT
Supernova 2003gs IN NGC 936 July 29.75 UT
Supernova 2003hn IN NGC 1448 Aug. 25.70 UT

The award was announced at the 92nd Annual Meeting.

65. Robert O. Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of Supernova 2001ig in NGC 7424 on December 10.43 UT. The award was announced at the 91st Annual Meeting, October 26, 2002, in Somerville, MA.

At the AAVSO 90th Annual Meeting (November 3, 2001, Somerville, MA) the following awards were presented:

64. Libert A. G. (Berto) Monard, Die Wilders, South Africa, for his visual discovery of Supernova 2001el in NGC 1448 on September 17.064 UT.

63. Alfredo Pereira, Cabo da Roca, Portugal, for his visual discovery of Nova Sagittarii 2001 No. 3 on September 5.846 UT (independent discovery).

62. Alfredo Pereira, Cabo da Roca, Portugal, for his visual discovery of Nova Sagittarii 2001 No. 2 on August 26.866 UT.

61. Robert O. Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of Supernova 2001du in NGC 1365 on August 24.7 UT.

60. Brett White, Linden, NSW, Australia, for his visual discovery of SN 2000do in NGC 6754 on September 30.5 UT.

59. Robert O. Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of SN 2000cj in NGC 6753 on May 14.7 UT. The award was announced at the 89th Annual Meeting, October 28, 2000, in Waltham, MA, and was accepted by Mary Cragg (for Tom Cragg, who was attending the meeting but was unable to attend the banquet, and who will present the award to Bob). IAUC 7425, AAN 276

58. Gary T. Nowak, Essex Junction, VT, for his discovery of Nova Aquilae 1999 No. 2 on December 1.958 UT. His discovery was made independently of A. Pereira's (see 57). The award was presented at the 89th Annual Meeting, October 28,2000, in Waltham, MA. IAUC 7325, AAN 264

57. Alfredo Pereira, Cabo da Roca, Portugal, for his discovery of Nova Aquilae 1999 No. 2 on December 1.785 UT. His discovery was made independently of G. Nowak's (see 58). The award was announced at the 89th Annual Meeting, October 28, 2000, in Waltham, MA. IAUC 7323, AAN 264

56. Alan C. Gilmore, Mount John University Observatory, New Zealand, for his discovery of Nova Velorum 1999 on May 22.451 UT. His discovery was made independently of P. Williams' (see 55). The award was announced at the 88th Annual Meeting, in October 1999, in Hyannis, MA, and mailed winter 1999. AAN 259

55. Peter Williams, Heathcote, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of Nova Velorum 1999 on May 22.396 UT. His discovery was made independently of A. Gilmore's (see 56). The award was announced at the 88th Annual Meeting, in October 1999, in Hyannis, MA, and mailed winter 1999. AAN 259

54. Brett White, Linden, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of Supernova 1998dq in NGC 6754 on August 23.4, 1998 UT. The award was announced at the 87th Annual Meeting in October 1998, in Cambridge, MA. AAN 251

53. Robert O. Evans,  Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of Supernova 1997bp in NGC 4680 on April 6.52, 1997 UT. The award was announced at the 86th Spring Meeting in May 1997, in Sion, Switzerland.IAUC 6613, AAN 238

52. Stefano Pesci, Milan, Italy, for his discovery of Supernova 1996bk in NGC 5308 on October 12.79, 1996 UT. His discovery was made with Piero Mazza. The award was presented at the 86th Spring Meeting in May 1997, in Sion, Switzerland. IAUC 6491, AAN xxx

51. Piero Mazza, Milan, Italy, for his discovery of Supernova 1996bk in NGC 5308 on October 12.79, 1996 UT. His discovery was made with Stefano Pesci. The award was presented at the 86th Spring Meeting in May 1997, in Sion, Switzerland. IAUC 6491, AAN xxx

50. Robert Benton, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, assisting Robert O. Evans in his discovery of Supernova 1996al in NGC 7689 on July 22.71, 1996 UT. The award was announced on November 2, 1996, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6437, AAN 224

49. Samantha Beaman, Pimpama, Queensland, Australia, assisting Robert O. Evans in his discovery of Supernova 1996al in NGC 7689 on July 22.71, 1996 UT. The award was announced on November 2, 1996, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6437,AAN 224

48. Stefano Pesci, Milan, Italy, for his discovery of Supernova 1995al in NGC 3021 on November 1.04, 1995 UT. His discovery was made with Piero Mazza. The award was announced on November 2, 1996, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6255, AAN 216

47. Piero Mazza, Milan, Italy, for his discovery of Supernova 1995al in NGC 3021 on November 1.04, 1995 UT. His discovery was made with Stefano Pesci. The award was announced on November 2, 1996, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6255, AAN 216

46. Robert O. Evans, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of

   Supernova 1995ad in NGC 2139 on September 28.8, 1995 UT (unassisted). IAUC 6239, AAN 214
   Supernova 1996X in NGC 5061 on April 12.5, 1996 UT (unassisted).IAUC 6467
   Supernova 1996al in NGC 7689 on July 22.71, 1996 UT. Evans was aided by Samantha Beaman and Robert Benton. IAUC 6437, AAN 224

The award was announced on November 2, 1996, in Cambridge, MA.

45. John Jarman, NSW, Australia, assisting Robert O. Evans in his discovery of Supernova 1995V in NGC 1087 on Aug. 1.8, 1995 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6197, AAN 212

44. Thomas A. Cragg, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, assisting Robert O. Evans in his discovery of Supernova 1995V in NGC 1087 on August 1.8, 1995 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6197, AAN 212

43. John Shobbrook, NSW, Australia, assisting Robert O. Evans in his discovery of Supernova 1995G in NGC 1643 on February 23.5, 1995 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6138

42. Samantha Beaman, Pimpama, Queensland, Australia, assisting Robert O. Evans in his discovery of Supernova 1995G in NGC 1643 on February 23.5, 1995 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6138

41. Robert O. Evans, Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, for his discovery of

   Supernova 1995G in NGC 1643 on February 23.5, 1995 UT. Evans was aided by John Shobbrook and Samantha Beaman. IAUC 6138
   Supernova 1995V in NGC 1087 on August 1.8, 1995 UT. Evans was aided by John Jarman and Thomas Cragg. IAUC 6197, AAN 212

The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA, and was presented to him in Australia by John Griese.

40. William Wren, Fort Davis, TX, for his discovery of Supernova 1994Y in NGC 5371 on August 19.15, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 6058

39. Mirko Villi, Forli, Italy, for his discovery of Supernova 1994W in NGC 4041 on July 29.85, 1994 UT. The award was presented to him in Italy by Janet A. Mattei on September xx, 1995. discovery made with Giancarlo Cortini.IAUC 6042

38. Giancarlo Cortini, where for his discovery of Supernova 1994W in NGC 4041 on July 29.85, 1994 UT. The award was presented to him in Italy by Janet A. Mattei on September xx, 1995. discovery made with Mirko Villi. IAUC 6042

37. James Peters, where for his discovery of Supernova 1994T in an Anonymous Galaxy on June 11.20, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. His discovery was made with Peter Challis. IAUC 6007

36. Peter Challis, Cambridge, MA, for his discovery of Supernova 1994T in an Anonymous Galaxy on June 11.20, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. His discovery was made with James Peters.IAUC 6007

35. Larry Mitchell, Houston, TX, for his discovery of Supernova 1994S in NGC 4495 on June 4, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA, and was presented to him in Texas by Bill Dillon. IAUC 6005

34. Nicholas J. Brown, Clarkson, WA, Australia, for his discovery of Supernova 1994L in NGC 2848 on April 8.7, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 5975

33. Reiki Kushida, Japan for her discovery of Supernova 1994I in NGC 5194 on April 2.66, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. IAUC 5961

32. Doug Millar, California for his discovery of Supernova 1994I in NGC 5194 on April 2.19, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. His discovery was made with Wayne Johnson. IAUC 5961

31. Wayne Johnson, California for his discovery of Supernova 1994I in NGC 5194 on April 2.19, 1994 UT. The award was announced on October 28, 1995, in Cambridge, MA. His discovery was made with Doug Millar. IAUC 5961

30. Robert O. Evans, for his discovery of:

Supernova in NGC 4411B on 1 July 1992
Supernova in NGC 2082 on 30 September 1992
Supernova in IC 5270 on 30 April 1993.

The award was made at the 1993 Spring Meeting in Berkeley, California.

29. Francisco Garcia Diaz, for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 3031 on 28 March 1993. The award was made at the 1993 Spring Meeting in Berkeley, California.

28. Peter L. Collins, for his discovery of Nova Cygni 1992 = V1974 Cygni on 19 February 1992. The award was made at the 1993 Spring Meeting in Berkeley, California.

27. William Wren, for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 5377 on 11 February 1992. The award was made at the 1993 Spring Meeting in Berkeley, California.

26. Reiki Kushida, for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 4374 on 9 December, 1991. The award was made at the 1993 Spring Meeting in Berkeley, California.

25. Stephen P. Knight, of Waterford, Maine, for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 4527 on 13 April 1991. The award was made at the 1991 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

24. George E. D. Alcock, for his discovery of Nova Herculis 1991 on 25 March 1991. The award was made at the 1991 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

23. Robert O. Evans, for his discovery of:

Supernova in NGC 1433 on 10 October 1985
Supernova in NGC 3627 on 30 January 1989
Supernova in NGC 150 on 25 May 1990
Supernova in NGC 5493 on 15 June 1990
Supernova in NGC 6221 on 16 August 1990
Supernova in NGC 4902 on 5 May 1991.

The award was presented at the 1992 Spring Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

22. Kaoru Ikeya, for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 4579 on 18 January 1988. The award was made on 22 October 1989.

21. James Dana Patchick, for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 2336 on 16 August 1987. The award was made on 22 October 1988.

20. Robert O. Evans, Maclean, Australia, for his discovery of:

Supernova in NGC 1559 on 7 October 1986
Supernova in NGC 5850 on 24 February 1987
Supernova in NGC 7606 on 14 December 1987.

The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1988 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA.

19. Kenneth C. Beckmann, Lewiston, Michigan, for his discovery of Nova Vulpeculae 1987, on 15 November, 1987. The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1988 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA.

18. Peter L. Collins, Cardiff, California, for his discovery of Nova Vulpeculae 1987. The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1988 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA.

17. Robert O. Evans, Maclean, Australia for his discovery of a supernova in NGC 3367 on 4 February 1986. The award was presented to him in Australia by Thomas A. Cragg.

16. Peter L. Collins, Cardiff, California, for his discovery of Nova Vulpeculae 1984 No. 2 on 22 December 1984. The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1985 Annual Meeting in South Hadley, MA.

15. Robert O. Evans, Maclean, Australia, for his discovery of:

Supernova in NGC 1365 on 25 November 1983
Supernova in NGC 7184 on 20 July 1984
Supernova in NGC 1559 on 27 July 1984
Supernova in NGC 991 on 28 August 1984.

The award was presented to him in Australia by Thomas R. Williams in 1984.

14. Robert O. Evans, Maclean, Australia, for his discovery of:

Supernova in NGC 1532 on 24 February 1981
Supernova in NGC 1316 on 9 March 1981
Supernova in NGC 5236 on 3 July 1983
Supernova in NGC 1448 on 6 October 1983.

The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1983 Annual Meeting in Nantucket, MA.

13. Gus E. Johnson, Swanton, Maryland, for his discovery of Supernova NGC 4321 on 19 April 1979. The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1979 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA.

12. Warren C. Morrison, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, for his discovery of V1668 Cygni on 10 September 1978. The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1979 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA.

11. John G. Hosty, Huddersfield, England, for his discovery of HS Sagittae on 7 January 1977. The award was made at the 1979 Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA, and was presented to him in England by Guy M. Hurst.

10. George E. D. Alcock, Peterborough, England, for his discovery of NQ Vulpeculae on 21 October 1976. The award was presented to him by Elizabeth O. Waagen at his home in Peterborough in August, 1981.

9. Kentaro Osada, Mitake, Japan, for his discovery of V1500 Cygni on 29 August 1975. The award was made at the 1976 Annual Meeting in Northampton, MA.

8. Jack Bennett, Pretoria, South Africa, for his discovery of Supernova in NGC 5236 on 16 July 1967. The award was presented to him by Janet A. Mattei at the 1976 Annual Meeting in Northampton, MA.

7. George E. D. Alcock, Peterborough, England, for his discovery of:

HR Delphini on 8 July 1967
LV Vulpeculae on 15 April 1968
V368 Scuti on 31 July 1970.

The award was made at the 1976 Annual Meeting in Northampton, and was presented to him by Owen Gingerich at his home in Peterborough.

6. Leslie C. Peltier, Delphos, OH, for his discovery of Nova Herculis 1963.

5. Olaf Hassel, Arvoll (near Oslo), Norway, for the discovery of Nova Herculis 1960. The medal was presented to him at the American Embassy in Oslo.

4. Dr. Bernhard Dawson, La Plata, Argentina, for his discovery of Nova Puppis 1942. Dr. Dawson was the first member of the AAVSO to receive the Medal, which was presented to him by the United States Charge d'Affaires at Buenos Aires.

3. Sigeki Okabayashi, Kobe, Japan, for the discovery of Nova Sagittarii 16 in 1936. The Medal was also presented by Ambassador Grew.

2. Kazuaki Gomi, Naganoken, Japan, for the discovery of Nova Lacertae 2 in 1936. The Medal was presented by Ambassador Grew.

    Kazuaki Gomi, an AAVSO observer, is awarded the Pickering Nova Gold Medal on May 3, 1937 for his discovery of Nova Lacertae on June 18, 1936.

   
    A New York Times article reports on this event:

        Honors Barber in Japan For Discovering a Star
        CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 3.—
        For discovering a new star on June 18, 1936, a barber of Magano, Japan, was tonight honored by the American Society of Variable Star Observers, according to announcement by Dr. Harlow Shapley, director of the Harvard Observatory.

        Kazuaki Gomi, the barber, is to receive the Pickering Nova Gold Medal for spotting the star in the Constellation Lacerta with a telescope at the time of the total solar eclipse of 1936.

        The medal, provided in 1920 by David B. Pickering of East Orange, N.J., has been given to but one other person.

    —The New York Times May 4, 1937

1. J. H. M. Prentice, Stowmarket, England, for the discovery of Nova Herculis, December, 1934. The Medal was presented by Ernest W. Brown, then President of AAVSO, at a meeting of the British Astronomical Association in England, 26 June 1935.