News and Announcements

Continued close monitoring of T Pyx requested

June 30, 2011: Since its outburst on 2011 April 14 (see AAVSO Alert Notice 436), the recurrent nova T Pyx has been very well monitored by visual and instrumental observers who can reach -32o. Thank you! Currently T Pyx is visual/V magnitude ~8.3.

Abstract

A complete light curve of this eccentric (~2.094d) eclipsing binary system has been determined, in B, V, and R bands. The primary and secondary minima are slightly different in depth, and the color index does not change during either primary or secondary eclipse. Newly-determined times of minimum confirm the previously-suspected rapid change in the orbital phase of the secondary minimum, implying significant apsidal motion.

http://www.aavso.org/ejaavso

Abstract

Better magnitudes and epochs have been determined for 189 of the 379 confirmed and suspected variable stars discovered by Ross from 1925 to 1931. Accurate positions have been determined for those objects for which unambiguous identifications had been lacking.

http://www.aavso.org/ejaavso

As part of the AAVSO's Centennial Celebrations we are holding a contest to design a new logo for the organization. This is just a quick reminder that the deadline for submission to the contest is July 1. As of this posting we have five submissions. Click here for more information on the logo contest and instructions on how to submit a design. 

July 21 Update: The books are here! The AAVSO has 100 copies of the book that we are selling at the same Cambridge Press discounted rate of $80. So please order from the AAVSO store and help support the organization. We have the books in stock for immediate shipment.

But wait, there's more! If you add an order for one of our limited edition Centennial T-Shirts, we will take $15 off your total order at checkout.

The 2011 AAVSO Eclipsing Binary Ephemeris, prepared by Gerry Samolyk, is now available online at

http://www.aavso.org/eclipsing-binary-ephemerides

Good observing!

(update: this position has been filled.)

June 3, 2011

Event: Nova Scorpii 2011 = PNV J16551100-3838120

Discovered by: John Seach, Chatsworth Island, NSW, Australia

Discovery Date: 2011 June 1.40 UT

Discovery Magnitude: magnitude 9.5 on three CCD images (limiting
mag 11.0) taken with a digital SLR camera (+ 50-mm f/1.2 lens
+ orange filter).  

Coordinates: R.A. = 16:55:11, Decl. = -38:38:12 (equinox 2000.0)

Spectra: Three sets of spectra have been reported:

The following announcement is made on behalf of long time AAVSO observer/member Dr. Kristine Larsen:

Possible Nova in Scorpius

AAVSO member, observer and science educator Dr. Pebble Richwine has had a minor planet named in her honor - 268242 Pebble. Pebble did her PhD in science education at the University of Arizona where her dissertation was on using variable stars in elementary school science education. She's given talks at many AAVSO meetings and is currently a science educator in Georgia.

Here is the official citation: