Visual supernova searching with the 40 inch telescope at Siding Spring Observatory

Abstract

Preliminary results are presented arising from the use of the 40 inch telescope at Siding Spring Observatory for visual supernova hunting over a period of about 18 months. The use of the telescope in this way is continuing. These results are compared with the performance of my 41 cm backyard telescope over the same 18-month period, and with recently announced results from the Perth Observatory's Automated Supernova Search using their 61 cm telescope over a three-year period.