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
April 19, 2019: Dr. Lee Anne Willson (Iowa State University) is urgently requesting observations of the symbiotic Mira R Aqr, particularly from our Southern observers.
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. Because all of the
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.
