J. M. Silverman, A. V. Filippenko, S. B. Cenko (UC Berkeley) report on behalf of a larger collaboration (PTF) via The Astronomer's Telegram 3398 the discovery of a new supernova in Messier 51. This object was independently discovered first by A. Riou and reported as PSN J13303600+4706330. PTF discoveries are made by autonomous PTF software, as well as by the Galaxy Zoo Supernova Project (Smith et al. 2011, MNRAS, 412, 1309)

On June 3rd 2011 the following image was taken at Raheny Observatory, Dublin showing clearly the supernova event.  The measured magnitude is 14.9 making this one of the brightest supernovae visible in while.

Click on image above for full res image.

Following on from this image I attempted to take a low resolution spectra of this event using a star analyser grating and wedge prism mounted in the optical path.  I had some success.  The supernova is clearly recorded and bright emission around the h-alpha profile highlights the p-cygni profile which was noted in the discovery notice.

Click on image above for full res image.