Super Nova Hunting tools

[dmill1220]

Hi Folks!
Even though my CCD Camera has been sent out for repair or replacement, I'm still continuing my hunt for Super Novas. I use a few sites and sources for Image comparisons, here is what I've been using lately.

1) http://messier45.com/cgi-bin/dsdb/ds...3&str=NGC+6205 allot of good info and Cross referencing links, along with zoom able charts that can be re-orientated by the user, this is one of my first stops.also has several Image sources.

2) http://www.aavso.org/aavso/ I also check for variables in my image by downloading the correct chart for Image Size (determined by telescopic fields) Sometimes a real strong flare up can throw you off or deceive you!.
But I can also use my software for Variable work too! I use aperture photometry or A pin point astrometric engine.

3) http://www.ngcic.org/dss/dss_ngc.htm a DSS Image Archive in NGC Format but you can click the home page button for the Messier #

The hardest part is either re-orientation of my image, or of the data base images, and rescaling them to the same size.
I can Usually do this from my laptop immediately if I have a WIFI connection, or I wait until I get home, and further reprocess them on my desktop, I still have to use the Astrometry and photometry software to compare my suspects to The Database files and expand or contract the images, and also flip them into negatives.

4) Finally I will resort to an Image blink comparator to check for possible Asteroids or for Proper Motion of the back ground stars.

This has had me going for quite some time!
I have had no guidance on any procedures, Ive been learning the ropes as I go along, and its the only way that I can think of doing this on my own.
Is there anyone out there with a better method thats hunting for new stuff like I am?
If so I'm all Ears!
I find that doing this gives me more of a challenge then just bagging objects or revisiting the same seasonal objects, that we all like to take a look at after a year has gone by, But Since this is a method that I have concocted, I really was hoping that someone else in here has a better approach, After all Im just an Amatuer and not a Astronomy Major or undergraduate, Just totally self taught.
Anyone have any ideas?
Dennis

[Blue Fire]

Sorry I can't be of help to you, Dennis, as I'm equipmentally challenged. and have not engaged the hunt, so to speak, on such a level. But I do thank you for the links - very interesting and informative! I do hope that someone will step forward to help. That way I can at least vicariously share in the adventure.

[Blue Fire]

By the way, I've been meaning to ask you - What is/are the galaxy/galaxies in your avatar?

[dmill1220]

HI Blue Fire!
MY Avatar is a picture of M-51 The Whirlpool Galaxy and its recent Merger companion, NGC 5195
This is one of my own shots taken thru my equipment this year from my home location and not the dark skies of our Observatory!
Blue make the jump and get a decent scope you wont regret it!
Dennis

[dmill1220]

Blue Fire Check out some of my first Photos in the Astrophotography section under Dennis Millers Astrophotography. I was able to easily resolve the Core of M-27 from my light polluted home with my current equipment. its in Monochrome.
Dennis

[Blue Fire]

Dmill, I just took a look at the pics you uploaded - Very nice work! I had a small refractor when I was a kid - just a basic 200X (w/ Barlow), no equatorial mount, no spotting scope,... so quite a challenge, but very much worth it at the time. My favorite activity was tracking sunspots. But these days I have only binocs. I've been fighting for disability for the past several years, and these days are very tough financial ones. I made the mistake of having to have heart surgery while unemployed and uninsured with only a few thousand in the bank which still made me inelligable for medicaid or any other help. And a whole host of additional health issues that I've been fighting all my life came to the fore and took me down in insidious ways that made me essentially unemployable. Believe me, if I had any extra cash, it would certainly go towards a good scope! So, for now I just have to make do. But it's not so bad - I have a lot of time for thinking and exploring the sciences now. In fact, just perusing the internet (shared wireless with a neighbor) and keeping up with astronomy and meeting and having dialogs with talented, cool people like you is keeping me happily busy. I think I've learned more about our universe in the past several months than I ever did in the years before. The intellectual stimulation of sites/forums like this is simply wonderful.

Sorry for going on and on, I can get carried away,... often. Anyway, I wish you luck in catching those supernovas, asteroids, and comets you speak of! I have to just "watch" other folks for now, but I still have a lot to learn and catch up on in the meantime anyway .

[Dragon Star]

I honestly can't help you, so I did some research for some that can.

I found this site, at the bottom you can find a list of people who you can contact and ask questions.

Hope that helps!

[dmill1220]

Thanks Dragon!
Some of the links you gave me were useful!
It confirmed that I seem to be on the right track and approach.
Now If I could only get my CCD Camera back from the manufacturer,
I could keep going with my work, the Skies in the Autumn here in New Hampshire are usually favorable, begining this time of year, Just a lot of dew to contend with, but Im well armed in that dept.
I have also purchased a Refractor Radial offsett guider with full size 1-1/4 ports, and a Toucam Pro modified web camera, and Guide Dog software, for auto guiding, I just happen to have more than enough in focus travel, for that kind of setup .
When I do get my camera back, I should be able to go for really long Exposures, I should be able go for 1 hr maximum subs with my CCD Control software, but im sure that I wont need anywere near that much sub time.

Ill probably be waiting at least a month or more until the Camera gets back from Meade or is replaced.
Thanks,
Dennis