GEOS RR Lyrae Survey: Blazhko Period Measurement of Three RRab Stars--CX Lyrae, NU Aurigae, and VY Coronae Borealis

Volume 40 number 2 (2012)

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Pierre de Ponthière

15 Rue Pré Mathy, Lesve, Profondeville 5170, Belgium

Jean-François Le Borgne

14, Avenue Edouard Belin, F–31400 Toulouse, France

F. Fumagalli

Calina Observatory, Carona, Switzerland

Franz-Josef Hanbsch

12 Oude Bleken, Mol, 2400, Belgium

Tom Krajci

P. O. Box 1351, Cloudcroft, NM 88317

J-M. Llapasset

66 Cours de Lassus, F–66000 Perpignan, France

Kenneth Menzies

318A Potter Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Marco Nobile

via Cantonale 53, 6942 Savosa, Switzerland

Richard Sabo

2336 Trailcrest Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718

Abstract

We present the results of collaborative observations of three RR Lyrae stars (CX Lyr, NU Aur, and VY CrB) which have a strong Blazhko effect. This work has been initiated and performed in the framework of the GEOS RR Lyr Survey (Groupe Européen d’Observations Stellaires). From the measured light curves, we have determined the times and the magnitudes at maximum. The times of maxima have been compared to ephemerides to obtain the (O–C) values and from a period analysis of these (O–C) values, the Blazhko period is derived. The Blazhko periods of NU Aur (114.8 days) and VY CrB (32.3 days) are reported here for the first time and a more accurate period for CX Lyr (68.3 days) has been obtained. The three stars are subject to strong Blazhko effect, but this effect has different characteristics for each of them. When we compare the variations of magnitude at maximum and variations of (O–C) values with respect to the Blazhko phase, these variations are in phase, in opposition, or even in quadrature.