An Observational Program to detect Supernovae in the Virgo Cluster.




ABSTRACT:
This effort will consist of an observational initiative involving galaxies
associated with the Virgo Cluster in search of supernovae (SNe). This
program is intended to yield one, perhaps two supernovae, during a
specified period of time (the time of access to the cluster proper). This
systematic search will concentrate on varying morphological types of
galaxies within the cluster, plus associated areas. The candidates have
been chosen to correspond with other visual searches that are currently
underway, thus attempting to create a more complete and comprehensive
program of observation, involving conscientious observers in one concise
package. The magnitude limit of this search will concentrate on galaxies
brighter than ~14.7v.

There are over 2,096 galaxies represented within an area ~140 square
degrees, roughly centered on the Virgo Cluster centroid ( [alpha] 12h 25m,
and [delta] ~+13 degrees). This program will provide data on ~213 galaxies
(from 12h to13h RA, and 0 to+20 degrees DEC),with emphasis on ~77 entities
that have measured magnitude sequencing employing the Thompson/Bryan SN
Charts (1).
This program is intended as a visual search routine,however a photographic
(CCD) initiative could be also employed.
This paper will be divided into several sections:

STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE VIRGO CLUSTER.

NOMENCLATURE OF THE VARIOUS GALAXY TYPES (HUBBLE CLASS.).

DISCUSSION OF MAGNITUDE ESTIMATION / PERSONAL EQUATION.

LIGHT CURVES OF SUPERNOVAE (A DISCUSSION).

SUPERNOVAE THAT HAVE OCCURED IN THE TARGET AREA (STATISTICS).

THE PROGRAM GALAXIES (STATISTICS).

APPENDIX: SUPERNOVAE CHARTS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL / SOURCE.

EPILOGUE.

REFERENCES.

I.S.N. thanks Steve Lucas for this effort.