There is a Bright Nova(not Supernova) in the sky right now easily visible in binoculars, just after dark in the constellation Ophiuchus.
The Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuci is in outburst again, noticed on August 8-9th, the last time I shot RS in outburst was back in February of 2006, the time prior to that was in 1985, see my NASA APOD link for my older 2006 photo of this Recurrent Nova.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap060224.html
Now 15 years later it has erupted once again…now it is at 4.8 magnitude. I captured it last night while out watching the Perseid meteor shower.
We know of only 10 Recurrent Nova in our galaxy, so this is a rather rare event, it typically will brighten up every 15 to 20 years,
RS Ophiuci usually has a variable magnitude of 9.5 to 13.5, but now it is shining at 4.8 magnitude.
to learn more about what is happening in this binary star system, read my past NASA APOD link above.
The Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuci is currently in Outburst so go take a look, at 4.8 magnitude pretty easy to see, if you know where to look or
if have a computerized telescope, type in these J 2000.00 Coordinates RA 17h 50’ 13.2” & DEC -06 deg 42’ 28”.
Happy Nova Hunting!
The Nova is the brightest star at center of my image.
Captured with my TPO 12″ diameter F4 Newtonian reflector telescope, Baader Coma Corrector, Bisque ME mount,
a modified Canon 6D DSLR, ISO 800, 6 minute exposure from my observatories in Ohio, USA on 08-11-2021.
Best Regards,
John Chumack
