This nova is past maximum and has appeared in images taken by various observers since at least March 21, 2003.
more WPO nova spectra
my spectroscopy page
AAVSO news+charts
Christian Buil spectrum
2003 July 31: A lucky first
spectrum of this nova [below] very low on southern horizon after dusk through
cloud breaks with the telescope pointing almost horizontally! An
offset from nearby bright Antares to the nova field with only two images
from many faintly showing the nova near the bottom edge of the frame and
identified by the bright telltale peak of H-alpha in the spectrum [using
Altair's spectrum for reference]. The nova starfield as imaged subsequently
confirmed via the AAVSO chart shown.
2003 Aug 9: Cloudless conditions
but haze in late twilight [and temps in 90'sF!] for co-added 5 m exposure
and better SN ratio.
2003 Aug 14: Clear and cooler
for longer single exposure - nova running into twilight for my southern
gap.
2003 Aug 22: Clear but some
horizon hazy - 5m slightly trailed image still reveals Ha
and other emission lines.
