V488 Sge – Nova Sagittae 2026

Image Title: V488 Sge – Nova Sagittae 2026

Copyright: mateusz wiśniewski

Date image was taken: August 30, 2026

Location: Czarne - Poland

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: Hi,
Maybe the photo didn't require multiple nights of exposure, but the object is extraordinarily interesting, as are the processes taking place right there... and right before our eyes! (since V488 Sge can already be seen through binoculars
V488 Sagittae (Nova Sagittae 2026) is a classical nova discovered on August 25, 2026, in the constellation Sagitta. Before the eruption, the system was around magnitude 20, but brightened to approximately magnitude 7 – an increase of more than 13 magnitudes, corresponding to over 200,000 times more optical flux.

V488 Sge is a binary system containing a white dwarf accreting matter from its companion star. The accumulated material undergoes a sudden thermonuclear runaway on the white dwarf's surface, producing the nova eruption. The white dwarf itself survives the event.

Spectroscopic observations reveal a rapidly expanding gaseous envelope, with velocities of around 1,000 km/s. The system also has an orbital period of approximately 9.9 days, making it an interesting target for continued observations after the eruption subsides.

Located in a rich Milky Way star field, the nova is currently bright enough to be observed with binoculars. Its evolution in brightness over the coming weeks will make it an excellent target for ongoing monitoring.

Equipment and image acquisition:

· Date: 30.08.2026
· Askar FRA600 with 0,7x reductor
· ASI2600mm pro
· Antlia 36mm RGB (5x180s. each channel)
· SW EQ6R-pro

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Mateusz Wiśniewski

Name: Mateusz Wiśniewski

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