Single Channel Photoelectric Photometry of RZ Arietis, 1983-2001 (Abstract)

Volume 30 number 1 (2002)

Raymond R. Thompson

Abstract

(Abstract only) The AAVSO Photoelectric Photometry Archives contain 568 V observations of the SRb star RZ Ari covering 17 years. During this time, there are 22 clearly defined cycles evident in the data, ranging from 26 to 71 days and giving an average period of 51.32 days. Assuming a V magnitude of 5.87 for the comparison star, RZ Ari varied from 5.45 to 6.19, giving an amplitude of 0.74 magnitude. When the complete data set is graphed, there is also clear evidence of a secondary period on the order of 1100 to 1500 days. Catalogue data on RZ Ari differ from our findings. The General Catalogue of Variable Stars, Bright Star Catalogue, and Catalogue 2000.0 are all the same: 5.62–6.01 V (amplitude 0.39 mag.) with a period of 30 days. Hipparcos values are 5.297–5.643 (amplitude 0.346 mag.) and no evident period. None of the catalogues mention a secondary period.