Intermediate polar FO Aqr fading and photometry needed now
Active Dates: Sept. 6, 2017 – Jan. 31, 2018
Abstract:
Dr. Colin Littlefield (University of Notre Dame) and colleagues have requested AAVSO assistance in monitoring the intermediate polar cataclysmic variable FO Aqr beginning immediately. This campaign is similar to the one on FO Aqr requested by Dr. Littlefield and colleagues in July 2016.
Justification:
The intermediate polar FO Aqr, which in 2016 underwent the first low state in its observational history, has faded by nearly 0.7 mag since 2017 August 10, implying a decrease in the system's accretion rate. Good coverage of the current fading event - only the second observed in this system - is extremely important. Because last year's fade began during solar conjunction, the drop to minimum went almost entirely unobserved. If this is the start of another deep low state like the 2016 event, it would be the first opportunity to study how FO Aqr's accretion processes change during the drop to minimum.
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 #598)