ASAS-SN Discovery of a Likely Nova in M31

ATel #5349; C. S. Kochanek, K. Z. Stanek, B. J. Shappee, T. W-S. Holoien, J. Jencson, U. Basu, J. F. Beacom (Ohio State), J. L. Prieto (Princeton), D. Szczygiel, G. Pojmanski (Warsaw University Observatory), M. Dubberley, M. Elphick, S. Foal\ e, E. Hawkins, D. Mullens, W. Rosing, R. Ross, Z. Walker (Las Cumbres Observatory), J. Brimacombe (Coral Towers Observatory)
on 31 Aug 2013; 15:38 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Transients
Credential Certification: Krzysztof Stanek (stanek.32@osu.edu)

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During the ongoing All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN or "Assassin"), using data from the double 14-cm "Brutus" telescope in Haleakala, Hawaii, we have identified a candidate nova in the disk of M31:

 
Object            RA(J2000)        Dec(J2000)      Disc. UT Date Disc. V Mag 
ASASSN-13cq      00:44:01.4      +41:32:03.30     2013 Aug. 31.42    16.9 

ASASSN-13cq was discovered in images obtained on UT Aug. 31.42, but is present in previous images on Aug. 30.15 (17.7 mag) and possibly on Aug. 29.19 (18.0 mag). No previous variability is recorded at this position by ASAS-SN. There are no known M31 variables in this location within 5". Mould et al. (2004) report a pulsating star close to this position (10" in SIMBAD), but its reported variability is too faint to explain the transient flux. This area of M31 has been subject to numerous variability studies.

This figure shows ASAS-SN data from 2013 August 29, 30 and 31, along with the reference image and DSS image. The inner circle has a 16" radius and is in the same position in each image.

For more information about the ASAS-SN project see the ASAS-SN Homepage and also ASAS-SN Transients page.