Monitoring PDS 110 for upcoming eclipse by exoplanet

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 06/21/2017 - 19:31

AAVSO Alert Notice 584 announces a campaign on the young star PDS 110 to monitor an upcoming eclipse by its sub-stellar, possibly ringed exoplanet. Please see the notice for details, observing instructions, and links to publications about this star and research.

Many thanks, and Good observing,

Elizabeth Waagen, AAVSO HQ

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Pds 110 magnitude range

In AAVSO Alert Notice 584 I omitted the magnitude range of PDS 110. According to VSX, its range is V = 10.40-10.75. I have edited the webpage for the notice to include the range. My apologies, and many thanks to Arne Henden for letting me know of the omission.

Good observing,

Elizabeth

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Request of PI's

Hello

For the science that is expected on PDS110, I have option to add a filter.  Right now I have BVI and g'.  One slot left.  What would be the most beneficial?

re:Request of PI's

Hi,

There are a few options. Typically when observing targets like PDS 110, getting colors is important (B-V, V-I, ...etc). Therefore, having a Johnson Cousins "R" might be useful to fill in the wavelength gap between V and I. Another option is a wide filter, like a "CBB", which would allow you to obtain a higher S/N (resulting in more precise photometry). A CBB filter is also quite useful in observing very shallow eclipses/transits like those for exoplanets. 

The current set up you have is sufficient for the upcoming PDS 110 campaign since we are trying to detect a fairly deep eclipse and look at the B-V color during the eclipse. 

I hope this helps,

-Joey

Dr. Joseph E. Rodriguez Jr.

Future Faculty Leaders Postdoctoral Fellow

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
CBB Filter and Vphot...

OK so I bought a CBB filter from Astrodon for exoplanet detection, how do I upload to Vphot/WebObs? In other words I don't remember seeing a CBB filter option..

Thoughts?

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Just maybe eclipse started...

Today's measurements show a small (~.01) magnitude drop in BVR and I bands.  Given consistency in the last 6 weeks of measurements just maybe the eclipse has started.  Keep watching!

 

Gordon

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
R and I comparison magnitudes

Hi Joey,

The AAVSO sequence comp stars only have V and B mags.  How should I report I and R measurements?

TG

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Rc & Ic comps

I don't think that you have checked the boxes at the bottom of the chart request page to show the Rc and Ic sequence values. All of the comps except the 90 label, 000-BMJ-099, have Rc and Ic magnitudes. 

 

Brad Walter
Sequence Team

PDS 110 Website

Hi Everyone,

There is a dedicated PDS 110 website where you can find out all the information on the target and the campaign, including the ~daily updated lightcurve from the on going campaign. This website also allows you to sign up for the email list. We will send out updates through this email list (including when PDS 110 is beginning to eclipse). 

PDS 110 Website: http://pds110.hughosborn.co.uk/

Just as a note, we have some indication that PDS 110 has begun to dim but it is not clear yet. 

Clear Skies!

-Joey

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Increased Cadence vs More Filters

Exciting that the light curve "might" be showing a dip.  I was wondering when (if) that is confirmed and you ask for continuous coverage how to approach this trade-off.  In my case, I have BVRI filters and have been observing in this full set for now.

If you ask for more continuous coverage (I realize we are not there yet) I could continue doing BVRI.  Or I confined my observations to say V and I and get a big increase in cadence.  Which would be more useful?

 

regards,

Cliff

Increased Cadence vs More Filters

Hi Cliff,

Sorry for the delay. It appears that was just a small dip (hopefully a precursor to the larger dimming). The pre eclipse baseline you established in all 4 filters will be quite valuable. I would continue observing in the same four filters when the eclipse occurs. The color information your observations will provide may tell us about the composition of the disk/ring system around the companion. 

That being said, if someone else has only observed in 1 filter prior to the eclipse or beginning to observe now, then I would suggest less filters and increasing the observing cadence. 

Just to emphasize, we really appreciate any and all observations members of the AAVSO supply. Thank you for your help on this campaign!

-Joey

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Is there an all-clear on PDS

Is there an all-clear on PDS 110? We're losing it in the sun for a few weeks, and if it's no longer needed I would like to just drop it from my nightly list. Thanks.