THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA Tel. 617-354-0484 Fax 617-354-0665 http://www.aavso.org * * * AAVSO NEWS FLASH * * * Subject: 0131+15B SUPERNOVA 2003gd No. 1176 June 14, 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0131+15B Supernova 2003gd in NGC 628 (M74) We have been informed by the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (IAU Circular 8150) that Robert O.Evans, Hazelbrook, NSW, Australia, visually discovered a supernova at magnitude 13.2 on June 12.82 UT on top of the southern spiral arm of NGC 628 (M74), using a 0.31-m reflector. SN 2003gd was confirmed by Robert H. McNaught, Australia National University, at red magnitude 13.9 on images taken June 13.84 UT. McNaught also measured a precise position (IAUC 8150) for the supernova, offset 13.2" east and 161" south of the galaxy center, as: R.A. = 01h 36m 42.65s Dec = +15 degrees 44' 22.9" (2000.0) Spectroscopy obtained June 13.46 UT in twilight by Peter Garnavich, University of Notre Dame, and E. Bass, Cornell University, confirm the object as a type-II supernova (IAUC 8150). Observations reported to the AAVSO include: V = 14.26 +/- 0.03 BRUCE GARY (GBL), HEREFORD, AZ. SN 2003gd can be found indicated on the AAVSO chart for SN 2002ap, available at the URL below: http://www.aavso.org/cgi-bin/searchcharts3.pl?name=sn%202002ap Please report observations of 0131+15B SN 2003GD to the AAVSO, and be certain to indicate which chart and comparision stars you used. For more information on SN 2003gd, please see IAU Circular 8150. Congratulations to Bob on his latest discovery! Please monitor these and other variable stars closely and phone-in, fax, or e-mail your observations to the AAVSO. Good observing! Elizabeth O. Waagen, Senior Technical Assistant Aaron Price, Technical Assistant, on behalf of Janet A. Mattei, Director ____________________________________________________________________________ Symbols may include: < = fainter than magnitude given (variable not seen) : = uncertain CCDV = Charge-coupled device with (V) filter If you would like to contribute to AAVSO NEWS FLASH, please send observations of unusual variable star activity to: observations@aavso.org Those who wish to subscribe (free of charge) or unsubscribe to NEWS FLASH may do so by visiting the following web page: http://www.aavso.org If you would like data from the AAVSO International Database for research purposes, please send your request to: Janet Mattei, AAVSO Director, at aavso@aavso.org An archive of past issues of the News Flash is available at the following web page: http://www.aavso.org/newsflash/ We look forward to including your observations in future editions of AAVSO NEWS FLASH! ____________________________________________________________________________