Classification of the Enigmatic Nantucket Variable

Volume 28 number 2 (2000)

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Jessica Bonjorni

Nikolai Samus

Abstract

The irregular variable XX Sct has been ascribed five different variability types since its discovery in 1924, from a Cepheid to a rapid irregular variable. Re-examination of nearly 1200 blue photographic plates of this star at the Maria Mitchell Observatory revealed strong irregular variability of up to 3 magnitudes on different time scales. Several possible periods have been found, none of which are particularly convincing. UBV photometry and a low-resolution optical spectrum are consistent with a reddened A star. We tentatively suggest that XX Sct is one of the class of young, intermediate mass Herbig Ae/Be stars known as UXors. Link to ADS abstract, article and citation information