Supernova SN 2019hyk in IC 4397 celebrates the 130th birthday of the host galaxy – 25 June 2019

During our supernova follow-up program, we imaged supernova SN 2019hyk and its host galaxy IC 4397: now we are pleased to share our image.

Supernova SN 2019hyk in the spiral galaxy IC 4397: 25 June 2019

Supernova SN 2019hyk in the spiral galaxy IC 4397: 25 June 2019

The image above comes from the average of four, 300-seconds exposures, unfiltered, remotely taken with “Elena” (PlaneWave 17″+Paramount ME+SBIG STL-6303E) robotic unit available at Virtual Telescope. SN 2019hyk (aka ASASSN-19pt) is marked with two white lines: it was discovered on June 22, 2019, by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae survey (ASAS-SN: we are proud to be part of its extended team) and spectroscopy showed it to be a type II supernova. We estimated it as bright as mag. 16.3 (unfiltered, R-mags for the reference stars from the Gaia DR1 star catalogue).

IC 4397 was discovered by Guillaume Bigourdan on 23 June 1889 and it lies within the Bootes constellation, at about  200 millions of light years from us. It is funny to note that the supernova showed on the day of the 130th birthday of the galaxy (1889-2019): a perfect firework to celebrate the event! Several smaller galaxies are visible all around.

Further observations will follow, weather permitting.

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