Welcome to my
Variable Star Pages
The science of Astronomy is unique. A great deal of astronomical research depends on the work of highly skilled amateur astronomers that provide a pivotal role in the constant monitoring of variable stars.
I observe and monitor variable stars particularly the cataclysmic (explosive) variable stars (CVs) for outbursts. Recorded observations are then sent to various variable star organisations which include, the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), the research section of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, Variable Stars South (VSS) and the Variable Star Network (VSNET) a global professional-amateur network of researches in variable stars.
These pages tell my story, show a selection of light curves, links to articles, dramatic events, transient objects and cataclysmic variables (CVs). The current observations page will show my latest observations, outbursts detection’s, and activity on variable stars.
Tetoora Road Observatory

Photography by William PJ Kulich
22″ f/3.8 Dobsonian Telescope “Infinity”
300,000 Visual Variable Star Observations!
Article on my 300,000th visual variable star observation achieved on October 6, 2018, covering my observing career published by The British Astronomical Association Variable Star Section.
Recent casual chat/podcast on my variable star work
The Eclipsing Symbiotic Star AR Pav
My visual light curve on the eclipsing symbiotic star AR Pav between epoch 73 and 79. AR Pav has a period of 604.5 days
Current outburst detection’s: December 25-28, 2020
APSV394 201226.520 146 outburst
CAROQ 201225.577 144 outburst
CENV342 201228.674 152 outburst
CENV442 201225.593 132 outburst
CETWW 201226.488 125 outburst
CHAST 201228.697 138 outburst
CMAHL 201225.567 120 outburst
HYAAG 201228.667 152 outburst
ORICN 201225.565 127 outburst
PUPBV 201226.503 138 outburst
PUPBX 201226.503 148 outburst
ASASSN-20pv 201228.673 152 re-brightened
Recent publications
Betelgeuse Eclipses 2020 (Alpha Orionis)
Honoured to be a co-author on a paper “The dusty eclipses of Betelgeuse” submitted in July 2020. Betelgeuse has dimmed again which is caused by two dust clouds. These findings will be presented at the 106th National Congress of the Italian Physical Society held online from 14 to 18 September. The latest Astronomer’s Telegram 31, Aug 2020 can be found here. astronomerstelegram.org/?read=13982
CS Ind
One of the co-authors on a paper published by Astronomical Society of Japan on CS Indi: SU UMa-Type Dwarf Nova with LongPrecursor Outburst. September 2019. The unusual long precursor before the superoutburst is the first time such an event has been recorded in SU UMa-type stars. My visual light curve of this event.
ASAS-SN light curve of CS Ind.
AR Pav
One of the co-authors on a paper published by the Astronomical Institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences on “Photometry of Symbiotic Stars – XIV.” Submitted April 2019. Over 8 years of my visual data on the symbiotic stars AR Pav and AE Ara were included in the paper.
The XMM-Newton space observatory will be observing the dwarf nova GW Librae on Aug.31 / Sept.1, 2017. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) needs constant updates on the current state of GW Lib to make sure it is at a minimum. My latest observation sent at magnitude 16.5 shows it is around minimum.
GW Lib was discovered in 1983 as a 9th magnitude object. On April 12, 2007, I noticed GW Lib was rising to outburst, the first recorded outburst in 24 years since the discovery! GW Lib has had no further outbursts. My visual light curve of the 2007 outburst which lasted over 70 days. More here.
Observation of a Deep Visual “Eclipse” in the WC9-Type Wolf-Rayet Star, WR 76
My paper was published with Peredur Williams, Institute for Astronomy, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh on ” Observation of a Deep Visual “Eclipse” in the WC9-Type Wolf-Rayet Star, WR 76 ” One of the deepest found so far in these types of stars. A real challenge visually as the eclipse is well below 17.0 magnitude.
UY Puppis – A New Anomalous Z Cam Type Dwarf Nova
My paper was published October 2016 with Mike Simonsen on UY Puppis – A New Anomalous Z Cam Type Dwarf Nova. UY Pup is now one of only four known anomalous Z Cam stars!
Wolf-Rayet Star, WR 53
My paper published on the discovery of the first-ever recorded eclipse in the Wolf-Rayet star WR 53. After 5 years of constant monitoring, we now have a new variable star!
OQ Carinae: A New Southern Z Cam Type Dwarf Nova
My paper published on the first-ever standstill of OQ Carinae after 14 years of study.
Discovery story on OQ Carinae!
OQ Carinae: Rod Stubbings – Patience, Persistence, and Purpose
100th year Anniversary of the AAVSO Top Visual Observers 2009-2010
Eye on the sky
Amateur astronomers are making a unique contribution to science’s understanding of the universe, reports Marilyn Moore

Eta Carina Nebula – Chris Morley
Moon Snaps with iPhone
Tetoora Road observatory photos
G’day Rod!
I have now decided to add WW Cet to my programme. I like the ‘southern challenge’ and currently do a few stars in Puppis and southern CMa.
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Hi Michael,
WW Cet used to have outbursts up to 10.9 but have not seen it this bright for many years now. There are plenty of variables in the Southern sky’s to look at but not many active observers so keep up with the challenge!
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Congratulations on your 200,000 visual observation milestone.
Absolutely fantastic!
Cheers from Portugal
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Thanks Diogo
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Hi Rod,
Very nice website. I’ve just added a link to it from my own.
WW Cet is interesting. -11d too low for me though. Bang in the middle of the ‘orange glow’ from Birmingham city centre. Too bad.
Clear skies,
Gary
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Thanks Gary. I haven’t added a links page on my site yet, but when I do your site will be on there.
Yes, it will be interesting to see how WW Cet behaves for the rest of the 2010 season!
Cheers,
Rod.
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Sensational website Rod! Well done!
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