A Nova in the Constellation Delphinus

Nova News from Fleet astronomer Lisa Will

On August 14, 2013, a nova was discovered in the constellation Delphinus. This nova is bright enough to be seen with binoculars, even from a large metropolitan area like San Diego! The best time to see it is when Delphinus is at its highest point in the evening sky, which happens around midnight at this time of year. A nova occurs when a hot white dwarf receives enough hydrogen from a nearby star that nuclear fusion occurs on its surface, leading to a significant leap in brightness. The nova does not stay bright forever, so go out and look for it soon!

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Here's a write-up from Sky & Telescope, including a finding chart. Happy nova hunting!

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Bright-Nova-in-Delphinus-219631281.html