AAVSO Special Notice #147: Activity in the unusual cataclysmic variable V630 Cas

As was discussed by Gary Poyner on the baavss-alert and cvnet-discussion
mailing lists, the peculiar cataclysmic variable V630 Cas appears to have
brightened significantly above its quiescent level.  It has been suggested
that this brightening may be a precursor to an outburst, although that
has not been established at this time.  Poyner further notes that the last
recorded outburst of V630 Cas was in 1992, when the star rose by two 
magnitudes, and remained in outburst for three months; the only other known
outburst occurred in 1950, when the star rose by 5 magnitudes.

The most recent estimate by Hazel McGee at JD 2454881.585 (2009 Feb 19.085)
puts V630 Cas at m(CV)=15.1 based on a visual estimate from a CCD image.
This is approximately one magnitude above its normal quiescent value.  The
object was also measured at m(CV)=15.14 on JD 2454880.60069 (2009 Feb 
18.1007; McGee, reduction by Poyner), and Arne Henden also reports that
coincident BVRI data taken at SRO/Arizona indicates V630 Cas was at V=15.14
on JD 2454881.610 (2009 Feb 19.110).  Mike Simonsen noted on aavso-discussion
a published study by Orosz et al. (2001; MNRAS 326, 1134) indicating the 
occurrence of occasional variations of 0.2 to 0.4 magnitudes; the current 
activity appears to have exceeded this range.

Observers are encouraged to continue monitoring this object over the coming
days and weeks to follow this activity.  Both visual estimates and 
instrumental photometry are encouraged.


V630 Cas is located at the following J2000 coordinates:

RA: 23 48 52.0 , Dec: +51 27 39


Charts for V630 Cas may be plotted with VSP at the following URL:

http://www.aavso.org/observing/charts/vsp/index.html?pickname=V630%20Cas


Please promptly report all observations to the AAVSO using the name 
"V630 CAS".


This AAVSO Special Notice was prepared by M. Templeton.

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