AAVSO Special Notice #194: Request for monitoring of the blazar 3C 66A

The blazar 3C 66A has been steadily brightening in the optical for the
past few hundred days, and is now at or near the bright limits of the
AAVSO records for this object.  The most recent observations put 3C 66A
near V=13.9: m(vis)=13.8, JD 2455234.361 (2010 Feb 06.861; G. Poyner,
Birmingham, England); m(V)=13.88, JD 2455235.566 (Feb 08.066; R.
Campbell, Largo, Florida, USA); m(V)=13.90, JD 2455235.740 (Feb 08.240;
R. Campbell).

Observations of 3C 66A are encouraged to track the current activity
cycle.  All observations including visual, single-filter CCD, and
multi-filter CCD photometry are encouraged.  The majority of AAVSO
instrumental photometry is in the V-band, but all photometric filters
are useful for this object.  Intensive time-series observations are not
required, but hourly or nightly monitoring will be very useful.  Please
obtain S/N of at least 50 when performing photometry.

Observers should note that the 136 comparison star (AUID 000-BBD-768)
has been reported as variable and should be avoided if possible.  Also
note that the comparison magnitudes are based upon a single night of
photometry; please retain and report the IDs of all comparison stars
used so that photometry can be adjusted if the sequence is revised. 
Observers should also note that 3C 66A lies in a galaxy-rich field, and
the use of DSS-based VSP charts is recommended when identification of
the object is in question.


The blazar 3C 66A is located at the following (J2000) coordinates:

        RA: 02:22:39.612 , Dec: +43:02:07.80


Charts for 3C 66A may be plotted using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter:

http://www.aavso.org/observing/charts/vsp/index.html?pickname=3C%2066A


Please submit observations to the AAVSO using the name "3C 66A".

This AAVSO Special Notice was prepared by M. Templeton.

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