Outburst of the recurrent nova T Pyx
April 14, 2011: The recurrent nova T Pyxidis has been discovered in outburst. It was detected by M. Linnolt (Hawaii, United States) at a visual magnitude of 13.0 on 2011 April 14.2931 (JD 2455665.7931), and confirmed by A. Plummer (m(vis)=12.2, JD 2455665.8847) and S. Kerr (m(vis)=11.3, JD 2455665.9410). This is the first outburst of T Pyx since December 7, 1966, nearly 45 years. Observations of this rare outburster are urgently requested, beginning immediately.
All observations -- visual, CCD, and PEP observations, and CCD time series -- are encouraged. CCD observers are asked to use filters for single observations. Unfiltered CCD time series are also acceptable during the early stages of the outburst. Instrumental observers should attempt to reach S/N of at least 50 while the source is bright, and continue to obtain good signal to noise later in the outburst.
T Pyx is located at the following (J2000) coordinates:
RA: 09 04 41.5 , Dec: -32 22 47.4
Charts for T Pyx may be plotted using the AAVSO's VSP
http://www.aavso.org/vsp
Please use the current chart which has the most up-to-date comparison star magnitudes.
Please promptly submit all observations to the AAVSO using the name "T PYX".
Congratulations to Michael Linnolt for his discovery!
This AAVSO Alert Notice was prepared by Matthew Templeton.
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