Visual identification of possible supernova in NGC 7331 (12 Mpc)
ATel #17294; Christopher Burns (Carnegie Observatories), Michael Rudy (Mt. Wilson Observatory), David Frey (Mount Wilson Observatory)
on 20 Jul 2025; 11:11 UT
Credential Certification: Christopher Burns (cburns@carnegiescience.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Supernovae, Transient
Referred to by ATel #: 17296
We report the possible discovery of a supernova in NGC 7331 at a distance of 12 Mpc at UT 2025-07-20 07:30:00 (JD 2460876.81). This was done visually with the 60-inch telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory during one of their public observing sessions. The authors have observed NGC 7331 frequently using both the 60-inch and 100-inch telescopes and immediately recognized a bright point-source approximately 1 arc-minute North of the nucleus not seen previously. Approximate coordinates are 22h37m4s +34d25m55s. Unfortunately, we had no imaging equipment that could be used to determine a more precise position or magnitude. We visually estimate the point-source to be comparable or even brighter than the nucleus (V = 9.5). Observations are requested to verify the transient and determine a proper location and magnitude.
