Special Notice #261: Outburst of the UGWZ Candidate BW Scl

October 21, 2011: The short period cataclysmic variable BW Scl appears to be in outburst. The object was detected in outburst at m(vis)=9.6 by M. Linnolt on 2011 October 21.3146 (JD 2455855.8146), and confirmed by A. Plummer at m(vis)=9.4 on October 21.3424.  Observations of this object are encouraged.  The object has conflicting classifications in astronomical literature, but is probably a WZ Sge-type dwarf nova rather than a novalike variable.

BW Scl is located at the following (J2000) coordinates:

RA: 23 53 00.85 , Dec: -38 51 46.4

Both visual observations and instrumental time-series are encouraged.  If this object is a WZ Sge star, it may undergo several fadings and rebrightenings during the course of the outburst.  This object is typically around m(V)=16.5, and there are no prior outbursts in the AAVSO archives.  Since this object is bright, we encourage the use of filters for instrumental observations, and observers should be able to obtain good time resolution with good signal-to-noise during early stages of the outburst at least.

This AAVSO Special Notice was prepared by M. Templeton.

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