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Alert Notice 652: Monitoring of nova-like variables in support of Chandra observations

October 11, 2018: Dr. Koji Mukai (NASA-Greenbelt Space Flight Center) has requested AAVSO assistance in monitoring several nova-like variables in support of upcoming Chandra observations. The first target, KQ Mon, is scheduled to be observed with Chandra during the week of 2018 October 15-22.

AAVSO seeking an Editor for the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (JAAVSO)

Job Description

The non-profit American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) has begun a search for a volunteer Editor-in-chief for its research publication Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (JAAVSO).  The JAAVSO is an electronic publication, which content is acknowledged in the Astrophysics Data System (ADS).

Alert Notice 651: Monitoring of T Pyx needed for HST observations

September 27, 2018: Dr. Ed Sion (Villanova University) requests AAVSO observers' assistance in monitoring the recurrent nova T Pyx, beginning immediately, in support of upcoming HST observations.

The HST COS observations have been scheduled to take place during the window of 2018 October 4 - 6. It is essential to know the status of T Pyx in order for the HST team to safeguard the instrumentation and make a final decision about approving the COS observations.

LPV of the Month (Original: September, 2018)

S Aurigae

A Carbon Star

Summary

This month's Long Period Variable (LPV) star, S Aur, should be a treat for Visual observers. S Aur is a fairly bright but very dark red Carbon star.  It’s B-V index is between ~3.5 to ~5, making it a very red object. (The B-V ratio seems to change over time, which might be investigated in the future with a focus on the B, V, and Ic bands.)

From Wikipedia:

Alert Notice 649: Dwarf nova outburst of GK Per (N Per 1901)

Note: The outburst suspected of possibly beginning in early October did not occur. Please continue to observe.  -  Elizabeth O. Waagen, 29 October 2021

GK Per MAY be beginning an outburst; please continue to observe.  -  Elizabeth O. Waagen, October 4, 2021

Although the 2018 outburst of GK Per has been over for some time, ongoing good coverage is requested.  -  Elizabeth O. Waagen, 13 April 2020