Epsilon Aurigae, 2009: The Eclipse Begins--Observing Campaign Status (Abstract)

Volume 37 number 2 (2009)

Robert E. Stencel

Jeffrey L. Hopkins

Abstract

(Abstract only) The eclipse of 3rd-magnitude epsilon Aurigae is forecast to begin during August 2009, reaching totality by year’s end, based on all six prior eclipse events studied—1982, 1955, 1930, 1902, 1874, and 1847. We have organized a campaign during the past several years in order to raise awareness about this rare opportunity, and to promote reporting of observations of all kinds. We have forty registered participants, seventy-six people signed up for alert notices, plus numerous informal expressions of interest. Categories of observations being reported in Campaign Newsletters (eleven since 2006) which include Photometry, Spectroscopy, Polarimetry, Interferometry, and Citizen Science (website: www.hposoft.com/Campaign09.html). In this presentation, we provide a brief update on the optical and near-IR photometry obtained to date. The nature of the short term light variations will be discussed in the context of mapping the eclipse behavior. Spectroscopy benefits from small telescope capabilities now widely available, along with traditional large telescope, higher dispersion work. Examples of each will be presented, along with the research objectives. Polarimetry provided key insights during the last eclipse, and we continue to promote the need for new data using this method. Finally, interferometry has come of age since the last eclipse, and a status report on this powerful method to directly detect the passing dark disk will be provided. Along with these traditional measurements, we will briefly discuss efforts to promote Citizen Science opportunities among the public, in coordination with AAVSO and as part of the International Year of Astronomy, IYA 2009.