SIG

Variable Star Observing

The Variable Star Observing (VSO) special interest group is interested in observing and estimating the brightness of variable stars. The Variable Stars page under Research has general information on variable star types and links to other information and resources.

If you are a club member and would like to get involved with the WCAC-VSO group contact Dave Gill or Bill Castro.

Variable stars for spring/summer - 11 easy to observe variables visible during this time of year.

Variable stars for winter/spring - Inputs from Ralph Geschwind for 7 variables visible during this time of year.

Telescope Simulator - From the AAVSO. A dynamic presentation that illustrates how to estimate the magnitude of a variable star and introduces you to the AAVSO. Takes about 15 minutes to go through it.

Variable Star of the Month - This months project from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO).

N CYG 01-2 (V2275 CYG)

A mag 8.8 nova has been discovered in Cygnus on 8/18.

• WCAC V2275 magnitude observations - updated 10/26 - recent magnitude estimates and light curve.
• AAVSO Alert Notice - #287 for text and charts of N CYG 01-2.

N CYG 01-2 Outburst update - Recent light curve and spectra from AAVSO

R Leo

WCAC R Leo magnitude observations - recent magnitude estimates, light curve from WCAC members and recent data from AAVSO.

R Leo peaked in early March 2001. AAVSO quick look data lists estimates as bright as magnitude 4.9. WCAC members have estimates at mag. 5.3 on March 14th, mag 5.6 on March 22nd and mag. 6.5 on April 27th.

From AAVSO - Quick look data. Type in R LEO in the search field for recent magnitude estimates.

This is an excellent star to start variable star observing. Use binoculars to observe. It's a long period variable (312 days) and varies from magnitudes 5.8 to 10.0.

Mira

Estimates form WCAC members put it at 3.5 to 3.6 through October 2000, Mag 3.7 on Nov 3, 2000 and Mag. 4.0 on Nov. 15, 2000. Recent estimates from AAVSO. Scroll down to 0214-03 OMI CET.

This is an excellent star to start variable star observing. Use unaided eye or binoculars to observe. It was at magnitude 5.5 in early September and magnitude 3.6 in late September. It's a long period variable (332 days) and varies from magnitudes 3.4 to 9.3.

T Her

WCAC observations for 1805+31 T Her Mag 8.0-12.8, 165 Days.

SS Cygni

WCAC Observations for SS Cygni - magnitude estimates, light curve from WCAC members and more details about the star.

Nova in Aquila

WCAC magnitude observations - magnitude estimates from WCAC members, light curve and more details about 1918+04 NOVA AQUILAE 1999 number 2, that was discovered on December 1, 1999 about 2 degrees NNW of Delta Aquila.

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Last updated October 26, 2001 by Bill Castro