RW And is a mira star, although RX And is UGZ indeed and several observers have already mentioned (on cvnet-outburst or vsnet-alert lists) the recent standstill of RX And.
It will be interested to see just how this current event plays out. Back in 1995, when RX And experienced an extended standstill, it was followed by probably the deepest minimum I've observed for this star (into the mid 15's). Its first outburst following the standstill was particularly faint. However, in examining the shorter 2007 standstill, the following mimimum was only a bit fainter the normal, but the first outburst that followed was among it brightest ever recorded for this star.
It would appear that in the past RX has also undergone some periods of rather peculiar activity if the AAVSO's lightcurve for this star can be taken at face value. During the early 1950's the brightness range of RX And seemed to be significantly reduced for a time. On the other hand, its range since the turn of the new century has been perhaps the largest ever documented. Other short-term oddities also appear from time to time in this star's lightcurve.
With RX very well placed for observation over the next several months it should be possible for observers to extensively monitor the current event, providing it is not of overly long duration. Should prove interesting.
RW And? Do you mean RX And?
RW And is a mira star, although RX And is UGZ indeed and several observers have already mentioned (on cvnet-outburst or vsnet-alert lists) the recent standstill of RX And.
My bad! :( Bad typing skills and worse proof-reading. I guess Z Cam is not an official "type" so maybe I should have said "Z Cam Campaign star."
It will be interested to see just how this current event plays out. Back in 1995, when RX And experienced an extended standstill, it was followed by probably the deepest minimum I've observed for this star (into the mid 15's). Its first outburst following the standstill was particularly faint. However, in examining the shorter 2007 standstill, the following mimimum was only a bit fainter the normal, but the first outburst that followed was among it brightest ever recorded for this star.
It would appear that in the past RX has also undergone some periods of rather peculiar activity if the AAVSO's lightcurve for this star can be taken at face value. During the early 1950's the brightness range of RX And seemed to be significantly reduced for a time. On the other hand, its range since the turn of the new century has been perhaps the largest ever documented. Other short-term oddities also appear from time to time in this star's lightcurve.
With RX very well placed for observation over the next several months it should be possible for observers to extensively monitor the current event, providing it is not of overly long duration. Should prove interesting.
J.Bortle (BRJ)
Note: Thread title edited. -Matthew
On Sept. 24.06UT I recorded RX as of magnitude 12.5 implying that its current brief standstill has come to an end.
J.Bortle (BRJ)