The Changing Period of Z Tauri

Volume 15 number 1 (1986)

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Lauretta M. Nagel

Department of Astronomy,

Abstract

A preliminary examination of the observed dates of Z Tauri's maxima showed a decreasing period. Careful examination revealed three distinct discontinuities, showing the graph to be a joining of three approximately straight lines. A graph of the corresponding maximum and minimum magnitudes seems to be related to the O-C curve, suggesting irregularies in the pulsation mechanism. An ephemeris is plotted for the next five cycles.