Discovery of an “Eclipse” in the WC9d-Type Wolf-Rayet Star, WR 53

AAVSO observer extraordinaire flies the flag for visual observers proudly with yet another independent discovery.

Abstract: The WC9d-type Wolf-Rayet star WR 53 was observed visually entering into an “eclipse” with a depth of 1.2 magnitude. Subsequent visual and CCD data showed a steady linear rise over 10 days to recover and return to its normal brightness level. This is the first-ever recorded “eclipse” of this star which has previously shown no photometric variability. 

Author: Rod Stubbings

Read the pre-print on astro-ph