Bsci University Project help

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Sat, 11/23/2013 - 22:40

Hey guys,

For my final year astrophysics course I have to do a Bsci project on measuring variable stars. So far this site has proven invaluable with it's star index, but now I find myself at a bit of a loss. The manner of my observations is fairly limited, we will only have about four observations, with no set spacing between each. The observations themselves can be up to about 6 hours, so what I've been looking for is a few variable stars with a period of about 0.05 to 0.2. I was wondering if someone could reccomend some good stars which will yeild visible oscillations in with that kind of period? I'm located in London, England. I've got a few listed but I'm not sure if they'll be bright/vary enough to be any good.

Lastly, the range of magnitudes given in the VSX; does that indicate what magnitudes the stars with given periods oscillate between?

Thanks!

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
project stars

Hi Luca,

I don't see that anyone responded to your request.  Your best bet are high amplitude delta scuti stars, which I think are listed in VSX as SXPHE stars.  These have 0.2-1.0mag amplitudes, and there are some bright examples.

The VSX magnitude range is the minimum and maximum magnitudes for the star throughout its cycle.  Be sure to note the bandpass (like V or p), as that can help you decide how bright the star will be in your particular filter.

Good luck on your project!

Arne