Welcome to my
Variable Star Pages
22″ Telescope “Infinity”
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 organizations 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).
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.
The current observations page will show my latest observations, outbursts detections, and activity on variable stars.
My visual light curve on the eclipsing symbiotic star AR Pav between epoch 73 and 78. AR Pav has a period of 604.5 days
Tetoora Road Observatory
Photography by William PJ Kulich
22″ f/3.8 Dobsonian Telescope “Infinity”
Latest outbursts detected
February 16, 2020
CAROQ 200216.510 142 outburst
CMISV 200216.487 144 outburst
ERICK 200216.456 138 outburst
ERILT 200216.499 157 outburst
GEMMV 200216.491 154 outburst
MENAD 200216.506 142 outburst
ORIBI 200216.496 147 outburst
ORICN 200216.497 141 outburst
ORIV1159 200216.495 137outburst
Recent publications
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.
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
iPhone Moon Snaps
https://www.aavso.org/
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.
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your 200,000 visual observation milestone.
Absolutely fantastic!
Cheers from Portugal
LikeLike
Thanks Diogo
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Sensational website Rod! Well done!
LikeLike