[Aavso-photometry] Var Her 04 Update

[Arne Henden]

I think the difference here is between a transient object,
perhaps never to be seen again, and a recurrent object, where
there is less urgency.  As far as IAUCs are concerned, the
normal result is that novae are listed by many titles until
GCVS gives them a real designation, then that designation is
used exclusively.  They do not go back and change the earlier
IAUCs.  Since IBVS accepts corrections to published issues,
it may be possible to get them to update a name.  This sounds
like a good candidate to "test the waters."
   Nomenclature and cross-identification is one of the real
problems in variable-star astronomy.  Simbad does a really excellent
job, considering the effort involved in this process.
   Regarding the quiescence level of Var Her 2004, it should
be noted that it has a 1arcsec companion, and right now, most
open-filtered observers are just measuring that red companion as
the variable is quite a bit fainter.  Looking at JHK images of
the field is fun, as Lew's variable is by far the brightest star
in the field (most likely a Mira).  I've placed a sample H-band image at
ftp:/ftp.nofs.navy.mil/pub/outgoing/aah/temp/vher04h.jpg
where the field of view is about 6x6arcmin, with north up and east left.
At H, you can just barely find the CV after psf image subtraction, with
the CV about 3 magnitudes fainter than its close companion.
Arne

Aaron Price wrote:
> 
>  I e-mailed Samus about a week ago and asked him if he intended to issue a
> GCVS designation or whether we should go ahead with anny announcements
> and/or publications. He politely said "eventually" and suggested that we
> not wait. I'm concerned because any publications issued before that
> designation is issued won't be found in the future ADS searches when
> people use its true name. My hope is that journals will allow us to amend
> the title and/or abstract after publication to include the real name.
> 
> Aaron
> 
> On Sat, 17 Jul 2004, James Bedient wrote:
> 
> 
>>DO you suppose if we emailed Samus he would cut loose with an official
>>designation and we could do away with the awkward "Var Her 04" construct?
>>He always seems to tag classical novae within a couple of days, why not this
>>guy as well?
>>