Note: The HST observations were successfully obtained. Please continue to observe R Aqr until further notice. - Elizabeth O. Waagen, July 6, 2021
Note: The Chandra observations have been completed. The HST observations will take place 2021 May 13 10:57:01 - 18:08:28 UT. - Elizabeth O. Waagen, May 4, 2021
April 5, 2021
Note: Dr. Margarita Karovska (Center for Astrophysics|Harvard & Smithsonian) is also urgently requesting BVRI photometry, visual observations, and spectroscopy of R Aqr through (at least) the end of the observing season. - Elizabeth O. Waagen, August 5, 2019
Note: R Aqr is out of its seasonal gap and is increasingly observable. Continued coverage is requested as described below until further notice. - Elizabeth O. Waagen, May 3, 2019
AAVSO Bulletin 81: Predicted Dates of Maxima and Minima of Long Period Variables for 2018 has been published. This annual publication covers the period January 2018 - February 2019 and gives predicted extrema dates for 381 Long Period Variables in the AAVSO's Legacy LPV program.
Note: This campaign has been extended through the 2018 observing season.
August 4, 2017: Dr. Margarita Karovska (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) has requested "visual, photometric, and spectroscopic observations of the symbiotic variable R Aqr in preparation for and in support of Chandra and HST observations currently scheduled for October 2017."
Ongoing visual, photometric, and spectroscopic observations of R Aqr about once every 10 days are requested, both to detect and observe the next eclipse and to continue the light curve of this star that has been in the AAVSO observing program for over a century. Elizabeth O. Waagen, August 2017, March 2019
Mira variables are the longest-observed class of stars for which we have long-term quantitative data that allow us to study their behavior over centuries-long periods of time. Fortunately for us, they're also easy to observe and monitor, having some of the largest amplitudes of all variables, and hundreds of them are bright enough that they're within reach of astronomers with modest telescopes.
STARS IN NEED OF OBSERVATIONS
in
AAVSO BULLETIN 73: Predicted Maxima and Minima of Long Period Variables for 2010
The stars listed below need additional observations. Please be aware that many of these
stars are difficult to observe, and should be observed only by experienced observers.
Please note that the symbol % after a star name indicates the star has fair to excellent
CCDV or multicolor photometry but still needs visual observations.How to Use Bulletin 73
Bulletin 73 was NOT prepared in the same way as in the past. Please be sure to READ THE INTRODUCTION before you use the Bulletin; contact AAVSO Headquarters if you have questions.
Introduction to Bulletin 73
Note to Users of 2010 Bulletin