R Cen

AAVSO Bulletin 79 for 2016 - Stars with Double Maxima

In AAVSO Bulletin 79 there are two stars that exhibit double maxima:  R Cen and R Nor. These stars therefore have primary and secondary maxima and minima. They are not included in the main Bulletin table. Their predicted dates of maximum and minimum for January 2016 through February 2017 are presented here in list form (JD and Gregorian calendar dates) and in approximation of the main Bulletin table format.

Mira Variables with Period Changes

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.