Web Publications

The Visual Behavior of SS Aurigae

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Janet A. Mattei

AAVSO, 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Lewis M. Cook

1730 Helix Court, Concord, CA  94518

Ann T. Piening McMahon

Robin M. Foster

AAVSO, 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Abstract

All observed outbursts from 1907 to 1984 of the cataclysmic variable star SS Aur are reported, using the data records of the AAVSO. The mean interval between outbursts is 55.7 days. The duration of the outbursts is bimodal, peaking at 4 and 11 days. Three intervals of peculiar activity in 1928-1929, 1970-1971, and at the end of the interval studied in 1983 are discussed. Relationships among the width and maximum brightness of outbursts and length of quiescent time preceding and following an outburst are investigated.