Independent Discovery of a Probable Nova in M31, AT 2026gs
ATel #17590; R. Fidrich, T. Tordai (HAA/VSS), K. Hornoch, H. Kucakova (Ondrejov), A. W. Shafter (SDSU)
on 11 Jan 2026; 07:06 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Novae
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (ashafter@sdsu.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
We report the independent discovery of the probable nova AT 2026gs (= Vend81) found with the 0.43m CDK reflector of the Alnitak Remote Observatory (ARO) on 2026 Jan. 08.820UT. The object was confirmed with follow-up observations using the Utah Desert Remote Observatory (UDRO), as well as with observations taken with the 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov (OND). The resulting photometry of the nova candidate, designated by us as M31N 2026-01a, is summarized in the table below.
Date [UT] | Mag | Err | Filter | Telescope
2026-01-08.820 | 18.4 | 0.1 | Luminance | ARO
2026-01-09.193 | 17.8 | 0.1 | Luminance | UDRO
2026-01-10.779 | 17.3 | 0.1 | R | OND
2026-01-10.797 | 17.2 | 0.1 | R | OND
As with all extragalactic novae, follow-up spectroscopic and photometric observations to confirm the nova's nature and determine its spectroscopic class and rate of decline (speed class) are encouraged.
