Amazing! Another supernova within reach of urban amateur astronomers has appeared in galaxy M101 in Ursa Major. Supernova SN 2011fe (also known by its preliminary name of PTF11kly) is already brighter than SN 2011dn [2] at maximum. As of August 28th, it had reached magnitude 11.7 and was still brightening at roughly half a magnitude a day. Some predictions have SN 2011fe potentially surpassing 10th magnitude, making it a fantastic opportunity to view a supernova even in small telescopes. I've generated some finder charts [3] to help you see SN 2011fe; however, you have to act fast if you want to see this supernova...
You have to act fast because two factors are working against you. The first is that M101 is already low on the western horizon at sunset and it will only get lower with each passing day. That leaves you a small and narrowing window to view SN 2011fe before it sets. It also means you need to observe from a site with a decent western horizon. The second factor working against you is the moon. New moon occurred on August 28th and first quarter will be on September 4th. That doesn't leave you much time before the brightening moon drowns out your view. The moon alone shouldn't be too much of a problem if SN 2011fe reaches 10th magnitude, but combine the moon with skies washed-out by light pollution and a low position on horizon and you can easily have a situation in which you just can't see it. So take advantage of the first clear night to look for SN 2011fe.
To find SN 2011fe, I have produced six finder charts [3] using the AAVSO star chart plotter [4]. The first five are the standard A through E scales. The sixth is the E-scale chart with a DSS image of M101 superimposed. As usual, I plotted the charts with north at the top and east on the left. If you prefer a different orientation you can plot your own using the AAVSO plotter [4]by entering “SN 2011fe” for the object name. I've labeled some stars on the charts to help you find your way from chart to chart. On the A-scale chart I marked Mizar and Alkaid (the two trailing stars in the handle of the Big Dipper), along with 83 UMa and stars that I labeled A and B. In the following charts you'll find the same stars labeled A and B as well as other stars labeled C, D, and E.
I observed SN 2011fe on August 28th (immediately following hurricane Irene) and had no trouble finding it. It was easy to see just a little off from the mid-point of the line connecting stars C and E. The fact that there are no stars of comparable magnitude in the immediate vicinity make it easy to confirm the identification. To my eye SN 2011fe was slightly brighter than star E, which AAVSO lists at 11.7 magnitude.
So take a look at a star from another galaxy, get out there and see SN 2011fe while you can.