FO Aqr time-series observations requested

Active Dates: July 13, 2016 – Sept. 1, 2016


Abstract:

Dr. Colin Littlefield (University of Notre Dame) and colleagues Drs. Peter Garnavich (Notre Dame), Erin Aadland (Minnesota State), and Mark Kennedy (University College Cork) have requested AAVSO assistance in monitoring the intermediate polar cataclysmic variable FO Aqr beginning immediately. The system is in a faint state for the first time in its observational record, implying a dropoff in the mass-transfer rate. AAVSO observations contributed by Shawn Dvorak were particularly helpful in detecting this low state. Since early May, the system has recovered to V~15, but it is still well below its normal brightness. Time-series photometry shows a very strong 11.26-minute photometric period, which is dependent on the orbital phase of the binary.

Justification:

The system's accretion processes have changed dramatically as a result of the reduced mass-transfer rate. Studying both the 11.26-minute and 22.5-minute periods and their dependence on the orbital phase as the system continues to brighten is important. The observations will help in understanding the changes in this behavior.

Requested Data Types:

Photometry



Targets
Name Magnitude Variability Type Photometry Notes Spectroscopy Notes
FO Aqr 12.70 DQ+E

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. Colin Littlefield; Imported Campaign (Alert Notice #545)