2004IAUC.8267....2N

J. D. Neill, American Museum of Natural History and Columbia University, reports the discovery of an apparent nova on V-band CCD images taken on Jan. 5.120 (mag 17.2), 7.120 (mag 17.3), and 9.121 UT (mag 17.4) with a 0.81-m reflector at Tenagra Observatory (near Nogales, AZ) in the course of a nova patrol of M31 companions. The new object is located at R.A. = 0h42m44s.991, Decl. = +40o53'04".76 (equinox 2000.0), which is approximately 35".7 east and 69".8 north of the center of M32. The new object is not present on Neill's images from 2003 Dec. 29 (limiting mag 20.0), 28, and 27 or on Palomar Sky Survey red and blue plates. Spectra taken with the 2.4-m Hiltner Telescope (+ Modspec) at MDM Observatory by J. Thorstensen on Jan. 12.101 show strong, broad Balmer lines and Fe II lines, confirming the object as a slow nova (consistent with the observed fading rate).