Alert Notice 682: Observing campaign on Polars

Hello Observers,

One of the PIs on this campaign on polars (AAVSO Alert Notice 682) contacted me to follow up on coverage of the target stars. He is most appreciative of the ongoing coverage of VV Pup, and for the coverage of EP Dra, ST LMi, and V2301 Oph, and gratefully thanks the observers. He sees that there have not been observations of these last three stars for the past couple of weeks or more and wonders if this is due to a visibility issue. He also notes that UZ For has not been observed at all to date.

I know that V2301 Oph (V=15.7) is now an evening twilight target and will soon be out of reach until Spring. And, I realize EP Dra and UZ For are both extremely faint (bright state threshold magnitudes V=18.5 and 18.0, respectively). ST LMi seems reasonably placed (bright state threshold V=15.4).

The PIs are depending on knowing the state of the targets in order to trigger NuSTAR observations. Would it be possible to boost the level of coverage on these these stars? V or CV twice a week is what has been requested (see the notice for more details). If positive observations are not obtainable, a fainter-than observation at or below the bright state threshold magnitude would be very valuable (that may be all that is possible for EP Dra and UZ For).

I understand the weather has been very cloudy in many areas these past weeks, and that the holiday season is ramping up. Any observations you are able make will be extremely valuable and very much appreciated!

Many thanks, and Good observing,

Elizabeth

Dr. Kaya Mori, PI on this project, posted a final report on this project and a heartfelt thank you to the observers in the Campaigns forum - please see the post here:  https://www.aavso.org/observing-campaign-on-polars

Thank you also from HQ for your valuable observations!

Good observing,

Elizabeth