Post-eruption detection of variable 12 in NGC 2403 (SN 1954j):: Another η carinae variable

We have obtained optical and near-infrared imaging photometry of the irregular variable V12 in NGC 2403 (SN 1954j), roughly 50 years after its giant eruption. The observations confirm that the star survived the event and that it was therefore not a peculiar supernova but instead was an eta Carinae-like eruption. Variable 12 is now very faint and red, which could be due to extinction and reddening of a hot star by circumstellar dust that formed in ejecta from the giant eruption in 1954. A clear excess at similar to2 mum probably indicates thermal emission from hot circumstellar dust.