A new Star in our Universe?

On the heels of 1651-32 V1280 Scorpii (a.k.a. Nova Scorpii 2007), the "new star" discovered earlier this month in the constellation Scorpius, observers in Japan think they may have found another. The reputed nova is reportedly shining in the range of magnitude 9.2 or 9.3, which makes it visible with binoculars.On February 21, the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) Special Notice #34 reported that Yuji Nakamura — one of the observers who found Nova Scorpii 2007 — and Hideo Nishimura independently discovered the possible second nova.

A nova, or "new star," recently discovered this month in Scorpius has brightened so much in recent weeks that it is now visible to the naked eye. Officially christened Nova Scorpii 2007, the nova is a star whose brightness has suddenly and dramatically increased.

Nova Scorpii 2007 brightened steadily from February 8 to 16, when it peaked at approximately magnitude 4. The magnitudes in this graph are daily averages based on data observers reported to the American Association of Variable Star Observers. Astronomy: Roen Kelly [larger image]
The nova was discovered independently by two Japanese observers, Yugi Nakamura and Yukio Sakurai. On February 7, the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) reported the nova's approximate brightness as magnitude 8.3. It peaked in brightness February 16 at about magnitude 4, according to the average brightness calculated from raw data posted by the AAVSO. On February 20, the AAVSO posted fresh observations showing that Nova Scorpii 2007 had dimmed to approximately magnitude 4.7.

To find the new star, locate Scorpius in the morning sky and use the finder chart here to locate Antares, Scorpius' brightest star. Then look down and a bit to the left to locate Nova Scorpii 2007. The nova is about the same brightness as the dim star in Orion's head. It will be easily visible with binoculars.