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).
The current observations page will show my latest observations, outbursts detections and activity on variable stars.
Eclipsing Symbiotic System
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS
Latest outbursts detected
October 13, 2017
CRAV728 171013.410 148 outburst !(super?)
V728 CrA: The last recorded outburst I have was in 2003.
October 10, 2017
APSDT 171010.458 156 outburst
AQLDH 171010.482 126 outburst
AQLFO 171010.426 135 outburst
AQRQU 171010.485 161 outburst
CETWW 171010.468 123outburst
ERIAH 171010.511 142 outburst
HYIWX 171010.466 130 outburst
HYIVW 171010.463 120 outburst
INDTU 171010.497 138 outburst
NORHP 171010.439 139outburst
OCTAO 171010.462 159 outburst
PAVGS 171010.494 148 outburst
PEGHX 171010.531 130 outburst
SCOMM 171010.444 136 outburst
SCOV478 171010.437 154 outburst
SERUZ 171010.457 128 outburst
SGRV551 171010.446 158 outburst
TRAFL 171010.435 154 outburst
ASASSN-14je 171010.524 150 outburst
ASASSN-14hv 171010.534 148 outburst
The Hubble Space Telescope 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 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.
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.
Simostronomy: Rod Stubbings – Patience, Persistence and Purpose
Eye on the sky
Amateur astronomers are making a unique contribution to science’s understanding of the universe, reports Marilyn Moore
Photo Chris Morley
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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