Epsilon Aur monitoring during predicted pulsation phase
Active Dates: Sept. 17, 2014 – April 17, 2021
Abstract:
Dr. Robert Stencel (University of Denver Astronomy Program) has requested that AAVSO observers monitor epsilon Aurigae from now through the end of the observing season. Dr. Stencel writes, "Studies of the long-term, out-of-eclipse photometry of the enigmatic binary, epsilon Aurigae, suggest that intervals of coherent pulsation occur at roughly 1/3 of the 27.1-year orbital period. Kloppenborg, et al. (2012 JAAVSO 40, 647 =http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012JAVSO..40..647K) noted that 'stable variation patterns develop at 3,200-day intervals' implying that 'the next span of dates when such events might happen are circa JD ~2457000 (2014 December)'.
Justification:
These out-of-eclipse light variations often have amplitudes of ~0.1 magnitude in U, and ~0.05 in V, with characteristic timescales of 60–100 days. The AAVSO light curve data to the present may indicate that this coherent phenomenon has begun, but we encourage renewed efforts by observers during this coming autumn and winter timeframe. Additional data can help deduce whether these events are internal to the F star, or externally-driven by tidal interaction with the companion star.
Requested Data Types:
Photometry
Targets
| Name | Magnitude | Variability Type | Photometry Notes | Spectroscopy Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eps Aur | 2.92 | EA/GS |
Cadence: Not Specified Precision: 100 |
Not Requested |
Spectroscopy Lines:
No spectroscopy lines provided
Photometry Filters:
No photometry filters provided
Comparison Stars:
No comparison stars provided
Co-Authorship
Observers are not eligible for co-authorship.
Additional Observer Input:
Not provided
Additional Submission Location:
Not provided
Forum URL
N/A
Notes:
Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert Stencel; Imported Campaign (Alert Notice #504)