Proposal #655

Good morning, I'm Sauro Gaudenzi, my observer code is GSAD. In support of AAVSO alert no. 909, I kindly request the use of a telescope to observe the subjects RW Cep and Rho Cas. I request that a series of weekly observations be carried out for RW Cep and Rho Cas from now until December 31, 2025. I request that for these two subjects, 30 60-second shots be taken with a B filter, 30 60-second shots with a V filter, 30 60-second shots with an R filter, and 30 60-second shots with an I filter. Abstract:
Narsireddy Anugu (Georgia State University) writes: We have scheduled CHARA Array observations on October 19 and November 20 to image RW Cep and Rho Cas as part of a long-term monitoring program of stellar surface structure and the circumstellar envelope in these two peculiar hypergiant stars since 2023. Our goals are to track pulsation and convection-cell activity over time and to relate these phenomena to mass-loss behavior. Justification:
Coordinated photometry and spectroscopy are essential to interpret the interferometric data. The CHARA Array will carry out interferometry imaging in H band (1.50–1.75 µm) and K band (2.00–2.40 µm), and in the mode for imaging and visibility measurements for surface features and envelope structure. AAVSO coverage is requested for at least October 16-23 and November 17-23; cadence is given below. Nightly observations made between the CHARA windows would also be welcome. While waiting for your response, thank you very much and have a good day everyone