Thought I found a Supernova....

Well, it isn't since it moves....

I recently posted an image of M83. When I was exposing the Luminance data, I noticed a "star" that didn't belong. Well, it moved from frame to frame so it is not a supernova discovery. You can see an animation of the object here:

http://jthommes.com/MiscAstro/Archives/M83object.htm
(caution, 1 Mbyte) - also time and location details

The M83 image for reference is here - note, the object just left a streak in the image so it was edited out:

http://jthommes.com/Astro/M83.htm
(posted earlier)

So the question remains for me - What is this object? You will note that it moves about 20 arc seconds in a period of just one hour. This seems to fast for a minor planet or asteroid which will move that distance in about 10 hrs. And it is too slow for an earth satellite. Any Ideas?

It could still be a satellite in a very high orbit

Clear Skies
Dwight L Bogan

Rotten Human! You have spotted our invasion fleet- now we will have to figure out other travel plans!

Pzbvugior Wch7ik
Grand Snork of the Eighth Eye
Ghjartian Expeditionary Force

Hi Jim,

That is intriguing.

I also imaged M83 with 6 x 10 minute exposures and there was a moving object in my luminance shots as well.
It was shot about 2 weeks ago. I assumed it was an asteroid.

Greg.

Guys, Thanks for the help and input.

Greg, Our timing lines up well - perhaps you imaged the same object. The object is identified as (1098) Hakone. It matches the right time, location, motion and direction of the object in the animation.

Although, I like Jess's explanation better