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On October 29,1999, I set up to do my supernova search program at the observatory at Plettstone. Just before midnight, I was reviewing the files against the DSS shots. Even though it was cool out, I flushed warm with delight. I had discovered a supernova! This is one of the most important events of my life. I had to settle down though. This isn't the first time that I have found something and had it turn out to be something else. Some Digital Sky Surveys obscure close stars with overexposure for example. Since I don't have internet access available at the observatory, I would have to wait another day to check, so I put my excitement on hold.
Two TAC friends visited the next evening, so it was impossible to drive home (180 miles) just to check.
As soon as I arrived home on Sunday, I checked other observations on the web for NGC1637. I frantically searched for the supernova detection site as I reviewed shot after shot of this galaxy. Indeed, I had discovered a supernova!
I finally found the International Supernovae Network and hurridly checked to see if it had been reported. Indeed it had. The same night that I had found it, so had Lick observatory. THEY have an internet connection at THEIR observatory. My balloon was burst.
Oh well. I've only been searching for a month. This is an "almost" discovery. I will submit data for magnitude estimates.
A photo of the galaxy can be seen at: