THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS
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                        * * *  AAVSO NEWS FLASH  * * *

Subject: AB Dra, BZ UMa                             No. 285
                                                    April 7, 1998
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AB DRACONIS

The dwarf nova type (Z Cam subclass) cataclysmic variable AB Dra appears to 
be in outburst, as indicated by the following observations:

                     AAVSO Observer        
    UT        Mag.     Initials            

APR 05.4813   14.1       HSG
APR 06.0868   13.8       BMM
APR 07.0944   13.1       BMM
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BZ URSAE MAJORIS

The dwarf nova type (SU UMa subclass) cataclysmic variable BZ UMa is in 
outburst, as indicated by the following observations:

                     AAVSO Observer                           AAVSO Observer  
    UT        Mag.     Initials              UT        Mag.     Initials      

APR 05.4757  <15.7       HSG             APR 07.0653   12.0       SWT 
APR 05.97     13.7       SPK             APR 07.1389   11.8       SWT 

According to the AAVSO International Database this star was last in outburst 
in July of 1997.
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We thank the following contributors for the data that they have provided 
for this News Flash:
                         BMM - M. Biesmans, Belgium 
                         HSG - G. Hanson, USA       
                         SPK - P. Schmeer, Germany  
                         SWT - R. Stewart, USA      

Please monitor these and other variable stars closely and phone-in, fax, 
or e-mail your observations to the AAVSO.

Good observing!
Janet A. Mattei
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Symbols may include:  < = fainter than magnitude given (variable not seen)
                      : = uncertain
                   CCDV = Charge-coupled device with (V) filter

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If you would like data from the AAVSO International Database for
research purposes, please send your request to:

        Janet Mattei, AAVSO Director, at aavso@aavso.org

We look forward to including your observations in future editions
of AAVSO NEWS FLASH!
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