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Sky Survey for Supernovae

Image credit: ASAS-SN

Sky Survey for Supernovae, it is essential to understand the importance of these cosmic events. Supernovae are stellar explosions marking the end of a star's life, resulting in highly luminous events. They play a crucial role in creating heavy elements and influencing galactic dynamics. Systematic observation of supernovae allows astronomers to study stellar evolution and the universe's expansion.

To conduct a sky survey for supernovae we in AOSR observatory use specific robotized model but is not much different of this steps and tips:

  1. Target Galaxy Selection

    • Nearby and Bright Galaxies: Prioritize nearby galaxies (within a few million light-years) as supernovae in these galaxies will be brighter and easier to detect.
    • Galaxies with High Star Formation Rates: Focus on galaxies known for their active star formation, such as M82 (Cigar Galaxy) and M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy).
    • Galaxy Catalogs: Use catalogs like Messier, NGC, and IC to select targets.

  2. Observation Planning

    • Regular Coverage: Obtain images of target galaxies at regular intervals (daily, if possible) to detect changes.
    • Appropriate Filters: Use appropriate photometric filters (e.g., B, V, R) to capture light from supernovae of different types.
    • Observation Conditions: Plan observations for ideal conditions (clear skies, low light pollution, no full moon).

  3. Automation and Software

    • Telescope Control Software: Use software that allows full automation of observations, including scheduling and image capture. 
    • Data Reduction: Use software to calibrate (dark frame subtraction, flat fielding) and align images.
    • Supernova Detection: Software like SExtractor, Astrometry.net, or custom algorithms can be used to detect changes between consecutive images.
    • Alert and Coordination Services: Transient Name Server (TNS), Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF).

  4. Data Analysis

    • Image Subtraction: Compare recent images with reference images to identify new bright objects.
    • Supernova Confirmation: Candidate objects should be confirmed by comparison with catalogs of known stars and objects.

  5. Reporting Discoveries

    • Coordination with Observatories: Report supernova discoveries to networks like the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (CBAT) and Astronomer's Telegram (ATel).
    • Collaboration: Work with other astronomers and observatories for confirmation and detailed study of discovered supernovae.

Our Example Plan

  • Target Selection: Choose 50 galaxies from the Messier catalog visible from your observation location.
  • Scheduling: Schedule daily or weekly observations depending on the number of galaxies and available time.
  • Automation: Set up your observatory to automatically capture images and save data to a server.
  • Processing: Implement an automated routine to process and compare images, highlighting potential changes.
  • Manual Review: Manually review supernova candidates for confirmation before reporting.

Following these steps will maximize the chances of detecting supernovae and contribute to astronomical science.

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