Tetoora Road Observatory

 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 with a period of 604.5 days

22″ f/3.8 Telescope “Infinity”

Latest outbursts detected

February 1&2, 2019

ARABF 190202.710 152 outburst

CENNN 190201.542 142 outburst

CENV342 190202.511 150 outburst

HYACT 190201.503 161 outburst

HYAMM 190202.521 142 outburst

HYAV392 190201.551 148 outburst

LEOX 190201.560 132 outburst

LIBV362 190202.692 145 outburst

NORHP 190202.669 132 outburst

PICAR 190202.665 130 outburst

PUPCL 190202.640 143 outburst

PYXVZ 190201.493 131 outburst

SCOMM 190202.699 139 outburst

SERV386 190202.725 128 outburst

TRADV 190201.576 142 outburst

NSV 1440 190201.477 161 outburst

NSV 5031 190201.552 139 superoutburst

DDE 76 190201.574 157 outburst

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!

Wolf-Rayet Star WR 53     – Added to the International Variable Star Index July 2015.

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

Photo Chris Morley

iPhone Moon Snaps