BZ UMa is a dwarf nova type cataclysmic variable. However further classification has eluded current researchers. It's orbital period and mass ratio indicate it might be an SU UMa sub type, however that would suggest the presence of superhumps—which have not yet been detected in BZ UMa. It has also been suggested that BZ UMa might be a TOAD (Howell et al., 1995) and/or an intermediate polar (Kato, 1999).

The AAVSO has organized two observing campaigns in the past for BZ UMa. The first campaign occurred in February-March of 2004 after Mike Simonsen detected the star to be in outburst. The results of this campaign may be found in the IBVS titled, "Flickering and Periodic Activity in the 2004 Outburst of BZ UMa". The second observing campaign occurred in April 2004 and was a world-wide collaboration of professionals and amateurs to observe the star in its quiescent state. This campaign was a success, with more information on the web page for the April 2004 observing campaign. More information on Cataclysmic Variables in general may be found at CVNet, a community website devoted to cataclysmic variables.

Light Curves

Full Light Curve

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Days 5-6

V binned light curve by KMP

V flux binned light curve by KMP

Images

Image by Diego Rodriguez, Jan 16.89, 25 second, LX200 20-cm telescope operating at f/10 and SBig ST9