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Analysis of Long-Term AAVSO Observations of RS Ophiuchi

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Benjamin D. Oppenheimer

Janet A. Mattei

American Association of Variable Star Observers, 25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Presented at the October 1993 Meeting

Abstract

We present here a study of the five reported outbursts of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, together with an analysis of its light variation between outbursts. We find that the shape and decline rates of the outbursts are strikingly similar to each other. We note the possibility of an additional, unreported outburst in 1945, supported by the similarity of its decline to that of other outbursts. Each interval between outbursts shows periodicity within itself; however, there is no periodicity common to all, and the stronger periods range between 892 and 2283 days.