Discovery of an Apparent Nova in M31, M31N 2026-04c

ATel #17764; K. Hornoch (Ondrejov), M. Myslivec (HVBO, Czech Republic), H. Kucakova (Ondrejov), A. W. Shafter (SDSU)
on 25 Apr 2026; 20:29 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Novae
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (ashafter@sdsu.edu)

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We report the discovery of an apparent nova in M31 on a co-added 5400-s R-band CMOS frame taken on 2026 Apr. 24.042 UT with the 0.4-m telescope at Belec nad Orlici. M31 was observed at very low elevation under poor seeing conditions and cirrus clouds.

The object was designated as M31N 2026-04c = PNV J00425564+4114122 and is located at R.A. = 0h42m55s.64, Decl. = +41o14'12".2 (equinox 2000.0), which is 127.6" east and 116.3" south of the center of M31 (see link to discovery image below).

The following magnitudes were obtained using the 0.4-m telescope (HVBO) and the 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov (D65):

 
  Date [UT]    |  Mag   | Err  | Filter  | Telescope 
 
2026-04-22.122 | >18.4  |      | R       | D65 
2026-04-24.042 |  16.2  | 0.1  | R       | HVBO 
2026-04-25.058 |  16.0  | 0.2  | Ha      | HVBO 
 

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.

Discovery image