Pro-Am project on PMS Stars

I have received the following request from Darryl Sargison, University of Exeter:

In Autumn 2013 I am undertaking a new study into the nature of
pre-main-sequence low mass stars, using time series optical
> spectroscopy and UV-Visual-IR photometry with my PhD supervisor Tim
> Naylor of Exeter University (UK).  We will use professional telescopes
> to obtain data from six nearby T-Tauri stars (in the Taurus/Auriga
> star forming region) with unprecedented time and spectral resolution.
> The aim is to build a clearer picture of the environment around young
> solar-type stars and characterise their various disc, accretion and
> outflow structures.
>
> This study offers a great opportunity for professional-amateur
> collaboration as the objects (with V magnitudes of 10 - 13) are well
> within the reach of photometry by small telescopes. Amateur
> observations are uniquely useful to us in the study of chaotically
> variable young stars as they offer crucial datapoints in the
> lightcurve between observations made by professional telescopes.
>
> We would be very keen to recruit(!) AAVSO observers who are interested
> in being part of this study and able to contribute visual or (V and R
> band) filtered CCD photometry. All contributing observers will be
> acknowledged in the published papers, significant contributors may
> also be co-authors. I do have one spare 1.25" V band filter that I
> could lend to any interested observer who may wish to borrow it for
> the duration of this programme.
>
> In preparation for the main data collection next autumn, we would like
> to start monitoring targets immediately. The first 3 targets that we
> will be studying are RY Tau, DN Tau and DR Tau. It would be great if
> you could help to spread the word and invite observers to participate
> in our programme.

As AAVSO charts are available for all these stars, nobody has any excuse not to join in!