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)