I think I saw a nova in the sky last night, near the Venus/Saturn conjunction. Can you confirm this?

Without more information, it is hard to be certain what you saw. I
haven't heard any reports of a nova, so I would doubt this is the case,
although it could be. A sky map shows the planet Mercury about 10 to 15
degrees below and to the left of Saturn, so you may have seen this
elusive planet.

Sometimes we get reports of novae from people who see brief flashes in
the sky. As you may know, novae are not sudden flashes of light lasting a
few seconds. Many people who see such flashes have seen bright meteors
(if a meteor is headed straight toward you, it would no appear to move
and thus be a pinpoint of light). Also, some of our newer communications
satellites show flashes of light.

Anyway, my guess would be that you spied Mercury, but I will let you know
if I hear otherwise.

Sincerely,

Kurtis Williams

> A nova?
> About 10 degrees below and to the left of Venus/Saturn conjunction.
> At 4:43AM MST
>
> Art Poole
>

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