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New Variable Star

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14 years 11 months ago #78002 by dmcdona
New Variable Star was created by dmcdona
VARIABLE STAR IN LIBRA
T. Puckett, Ellijay, GA, U.S.A., reports the discovery of a previously unknown variable star (magnitude V = 14.4) in CCD images taken with a 60-cm reflector at Ellijay by Puckett, R. Gagliano, and T. Orff on Apr. 27.269 UT.

The new object, which was confirmed at mag 14.8 on Apr. 28.130, is located at R.A. = 14h43m41s.91 +/- 0s.01, Decl. = -17o55'49".7 +/- 0".2 (equinox 2000.0). Nothing was visible at this location on an image taken with the same telescope on Mar. 19.12 (limiting mag 19).

A. Henden, AAVSO, reports that images obtained with the 35-cm telescope of the Sonoita Research Observatory on Apr. 30.23 yields position end figures 41s.91, 50".2 (UCAC2 catalogue for reference stars) and the following magnitude and colors: V = 14.90, B-V = +0.06, V-R_c = +0.08, R_c - I_c = +0.13 (zero-point uncertainty 0.03 mag).

Henden notes that these are typical colors for a cataclysmic variable (CV) star. He adds that the NOMAD catalogue lists a very faint star with magnitudes B = 20.0 and R = 20.1, the GSC 2.3.2 catalogue lists a star with magnitudes J = 20.4, F = 19.6, N = 19.1, and there is no 2MASS detection at this location; these data all imply a CV outburst with an amplitude of about 5 magnitudes.

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14 years 11 months ago #78059 by Seanie_Morris
Replied by Seanie_Morris on topic Re:New Variable Star
So, does this mean we simply have a plain old nova, or a supernova candidate? Either way, it has got to have some luminous-drive power to get into single figure Mags and become a decent small scope target.

Seanie.

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.

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14 years 11 months ago #78069 by dmcdona
Replied by dmcdona on topic Re:New Variable Star
Reads to me like its a cataclysmic variable as opposed to a Nova/Supernova. Definitely visible with even small scopes (assuming it is still in outburst mode...)

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