AAVSO Special Notice #86: Possible outburst of the symbiotic star Z Andromedae

Rapid brightening of the symbiotic star Z Andromedae (AAVSO 2328+48) has
been reported by observers Eddy Muyllaert, Mike Gainsford, and John
Bortle on the BAAVSS Alert newsgroup.  The observations recently
reported to the AAVSO suggest a new outburst may indeed be underway,
having begun some time between December 22.8500 UT (JD 2454457.35; m(vis)=11.1 by Erwin Van Ballegoij) and December 28.0033 UT (JD 
2454462.5033; m(V)=10.039 by Shawn Dvorak).  The most recent visual
observation (JD 2454464.6, 2007 December 30.1 UT) reported to the AAVSO
by John Bortle (BRJ) places Z Andromedae at a visual magnitude of 9.6.

Z Andromedae is a bright and well-observed variable star, and observers
are asked to continue closely monitoring this object over the coming
days and weeks as this object progresses through its current activity. 
Both visual magnitude estimates and filtered instrumental photometry
(CCD and photoelectric) are encouraged.

Z Andromedae is located at RA 23:33:40.00, Dec +48:49:06.0 (J2000)

Charts for this object may be plotted with the AAVSO Variable Star
Plotter:

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


Please report all observations to the AAVSO as Z AND (2328+48).

This AAVSO Special Notice was prepared by Dr. Matthew Templeton.




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