Guidelines in case of discovery.




read also what the Central Bureau says on the supernova confirmation process


Should you spot a suspect star while hunting for SNe...


(1) You should check all archive references you have in your library or on your PC. And also check:
  • these charts (for visual observations only)
  • these on-line CCD atlases
(2) You should check for possible asteroids; for a precise check go to the CBAT asteroid page

(3) or by checking for motion; make a second observation on the next night

(4) You should check for a possible variable star

(5) You should obtain a CCD image of the galaxy, using your equipment or help from other amateurs

(6) You should check your records for the previous observations of the same galaxy; when was the last time you observed?

(7) You should make a precise measurement of the suspect star positions (2000)

(8) You should estimate approximate magnitude of suspect star and limiting magnitude of your equipment; an error of +/- half a magnitude is ok if you can't do photometry

(9) You should ALWAYS take a second look or a second image of the suspect star.

You should NOT ...
(10) DON'T use Megastar or Guide to check your suspect; plenty of faint stars are missing inside the galaxies

(11) DON'T use archive images of over-exposed galaxies regions where the suspect is located. According to Murphy's law, there's always a star inside that over-exposed nucleus! - find a better image or call for help

(12) DO NOT HURRY ! ! If the suspect star is fainter than magn. 14, you're probably the only one to have seen it

If you still think you've found a supernova....
If you did all step (1) to (9) and you didn't do steps (10) to (12).... AND you are still 100% convinced that it could be a supernova....

THEN you can report the suspect star to the ISN mailing list followed, if you wish, by a short message

and you can send a message to the International Astronomical Bureau.

[ALWAYS include in your message name and address, equipment used, date and time of observation, galaxy, position, magnitude, what did you do and didn't do to check the suspect star and date of previous observation].

If you're NOT 100% convinced you've found a supernova....
DON'T send a message to the International Astronomical Bureau...

BUT, if you feel so, you can send a message to the ISN or privately to webmasters Stefano Pesci , Mirko Villi and Steve Lucas. We are willing to help you!