July 11, 2010: Hiroshi Matsuyama (MTH), Kanimbla, Queensland, Australia, reports and Rod Stubbings (SRX), Tetoora Road, Victoria, Australia, confirms that the SU UMa-type dwarf nova QZ Vir (formerly called T Leo) is in outburst, and possibly in superoutburst. Matsuyama reported it at visual magnitude 10.4 on July 9.409 UT (JD 2455386.909), and Stubbings at visual magnitude 10.0 on July 11.384 (JD 2455388.884).
According to observations in the AAVSO International Database, the last regular outburst of QZ Vir, which is 16th magnitude at quiescence, occurred 4 July 2009 (JD 2455017, magnitude 10.6, Matsuyama), when it reached visual magnitude 10.3 and faded to 15th magnitude by 9 July (2455022). The last superoutburst (see AAVSO Special Notice #144) occurred between 19 January 2009 (JD 2454851, magnitude <14.0, Stubbings) and 21 January 2009 (JD 2454853, 10.97V, R. Diethelm, Rodersdorf, Switzerland), when it reached magnitude 10.0 and returned to 16th magnitude by 1 March 2009 (2454862).
If it is a superoutburst, superhumps will develop. All observations, including both visual estimates and CCD time-series photometry, are strongly encouraged at this time.
Coordinates: RA 11:38:26.80 Dec +03:22:07.0
Charts for QZ Vir may be plotted using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter.
Please report all observations to the AAVSO as QZ VIR (not T LEO). The AUID of QZ Vir is 000-BCW-196.
Many thanks for your valuable observing efforts and observations!
This AAVSO Special Notice was prepared by Elizabeth O. Waagen.
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