Observing the Peculiar Nova V838 Mon

Volume 31 number 2 (2003)

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Arne A. Henden

Universities

Abstract

The peculiar nova V838 Mon has been monitored since its initial outburst in January 2002. The light curve shows several separate outbursts--a month-long hump in January, followed by a rapid 4-magnitude rise in February, two minor brightenings in March and April, and a final decline in May. This paper will discuss the current state of the nova itself, the remarkable light-echo around it, and offer some suggestions as to how amateurs can continue to monitor the object over the coming seasons.