Mr. Galaxy's Supernovae

 SunSEARCH — The SN Search and Follow-Up Group

What is SunSEARCH?

SunSEARCH, an acronym for SUperNova SEARCH, is a loose confederation of individuals who enjoy searching for supernovae in external galaxies, but would not mind finding one in our own Milky Way! It was founded by Steve Lucas in Midlothian, Illinois, circa 1984. SunSEARCH is known throughout the world for its discoveries (three members, Gus Johnson, Dana Patchick, and Wayne Johnson account for 7 discoveries or co-discoveries) and follow-up work in the study of supernovae.

The SunSEARCH program was re-organized (with Steve's blessing) in 1991 by Mr. Galaxy, Wayne Johnson, who at that time was president of the Orange County Astronomers. Wayne is currently the director of SunSEARCH. During his leadership, the organization has gone from a surface-mail and phone-call notification system to a more effective Web-page presence in full cooperation with the ISN.

One of the functions of SunSEARCH is to provide a means by which members can help each other verify supernova discoveries. Once the discoveries are confirmed, members assist in providing observational data, most importantly visual magnitude data which is then plotted to characterize the supernova.

SunSEARCH includes many amateur astronomers who themselves have discovered supernovae as well as many who have not yet found their first one! Some of the early enthusiasts include James Bryan (Georgetown, TX), Dana Patchick (Culver City, CA), and Jenny Worsnopp (New York City, NY) in addition to Steve and Wayne. International contingents include Spain whose members were responsible for the wonderful detection and follow-up of SN1993J in M81 and Italy whose members founded the ISN and have found several supernovae of their own.

Purposes and Objectives of SunSEARCH

1. To conduct an organized survey of the sky to locate new supernovae. There are more than 5000 bright galaxies that can be observed with an 8-inch diameter telescope and a CCD camera. (Many amateurs have located supernovae without the use of a CCD camera!) By having a well coordinated search and follow-up program such as SunSEARCH, involving many people at different locations, the task of locating and tracking supernovae can be made manageable while minimizing the load on any one individual.
   
2. To follow and track these objects as they evolve. Tracking is an important part of characterizing supernovae and tracking is much more accurate using several sources of data than by using data from a single observe as is done by the AAVSO for variable stars. Just consider a supernova to be the "ultimate" variable star!.
   
3. To provide liaison between amateurs and the professional community by reporting possible sightings. Supernova (SN) searching is a very time consuming activity. Because usage time on large research telescopes is limited (and rationed), the vast majority of professional astronomers cannot take the time to search for supernovae. That is where amateur astronomers can help since there are 500 times as many amateurs as professionals, (a good calculated guess)!
   
4. To assist members and other amateurs in obtaining verification prior to reporting discoveries to CBAT. SunSEARCH (or the ISN) should be notified of suspected supernovae discoveries prior to contacting the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (CBAT) to prevent them from having to deal with so many spurious reports. Unfortunately, at present well over 95% of discovery reports to CBAT by amateurs are erroneous.
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5. To develop a community of amateurs who are knowledgeable in supernovae behavior and characteristics. Amateur and professional astronomers could draw from and contribute to this group for the latest information on theory and behavior of supernovae.

How can I be a part of SunSEARCH?

SunSEARCH is looking for people with varying degrees of experience from the rank beginner to the advanced amateur to join this informal confederation. Even professionals, who can verify objects that have been found so that scientific observations can be made as soon as possible, are encouraged to participate. The instrumentation involved can vary anywhere from naked eye and binoculars to the largest available telescope. Observations through these instruments can be visual descriptions, sketches, or guided photographic or CCD exposures.

If you think that supernova hunting requires a large telescope, a CCD camera, and all sorts of advanced equipment, you're right, some of it does, but we are also looking for people to get involved at all different levels. Who knows, YOU could discover the next bright (or even not so bright) star meeting its maker.

The most recent bright supernova (SN1987a) occurred in the Large Magellanic Cloud which is only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. It reached magnitude 4.5, easily seen from a suburban backyard. Two supernovae occurred in the northern Milky Way about 300 years ago that were more than 10 times brighter than SN1987a. We are overdue for something good, but hopefully not too close!

To become part of SunSEARCH, simply e-mail Mr. Galaxy at [email protected].