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).

300,000th visual variable star observations!

Article on my 300,000th visual variable star observation achieved on October 6, 2018, covering my observing career.

The current observations page will show my latest observations, outbursts detections, and activity on variable stars.

Eclipsing Symbiotic System

Latest outbursts detected

December 11, 2018

CENV442 181211.605 128 outburst
CETGZ 181211.553 142 outburst
DORBC 181211.582 135 outburst
GALEX J211312.2-590714 181211.465 142 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