Call for observations:

As you may know, a new supernova has been discovered in the whirlpool galaxy, M51: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/123110228.html http://www.astronomerstelegram.org/?read=3398 This is a very exciting scientific discovery, to which amateurs can further significantly contribute! We at the Palomar Transient Factory seek more image data of M51 obtained between May 30 and June 2, 2011. So, if you have imaged this galaxy using a telescope and a digital camera, your data may be very useful to this project! or else, if you can distribute this message to others which may have relevant data, that would be great!

Helpful data would be:
• images of M51 between May 30 and June 2
• only if it has an accurate time stamp

In case such data exist, please send the raw images, specify the filter(s) used and if possible send images of the same field taken with the same instrument and telescope before May 30, all to: ptf11eon@gmail.com

Your help could be crucial for great scientific discoveries! we will not use any data without permission, and will of course credit all useful images.

Many thanks,

Iair Arcavi and Avishay Gal-Yam (for the PTF)