The Study of Variable Stars
Welcome to Tetoora Road Observatory, the home of my long-term visual observations of variable stars, cataclysmic variables (CVs), dwarf novae, and other transient phenomena. I am a dedicated visual observer, and this website documents my work and contributions to variable star astronomy over more than three decades.
I submit my visual observations to international organisations, including the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), the Variable Star Network (VSNET), and the Variable Star Section of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ). These pages present current activity, light curves, significant events, and links to related research and reports.
Tetoora Road Observatory
Tetoora Road Observatory is a designated private optical observatory (Registry Number D03-35) maintained under Australian Standards and recognised by the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA). I carry out nightly visual monitoring of variable stars.
AR Pav: A Long-Term Favourite
I have monitored the eclipsing symbiotic star AR Pav continuously since 2010. With a period of 604.5 days, this is one of my longest-monitored targets and remains the groundwork of my observing program. Detailed light curves and ongoing updates are available on the dedicated AR Pav page.
450,000 Visual Variable Star Observations
On 20 November 2025, I recorded my 450,000th observation of a variable star, marking more than 32 years of sustained visual observing. That night, I made 229 observations and reached this milestone while monitoring EF Eridani, a magnetic cataclysmic variable that returned to a high-brightness state after years of quiescence.
This milestone builds on decades of observing and reporting activity that has contributed directly to professional follow-ups and satellite observations. Further details are available on the About Me page.
Current Outburst Detections
(Latest update: September 3, 2026)
The table below lists recent outbursts detected visually and reported to networks such as CVNET and VSNET. This uses my standard observer reporting format, allowing rapid copying and submission. These alerts support time-critical follow-up observations by CCD observers and professional facilities.
object YYMMDD(UT) mag code remarks
AQRQT 260903.481 150 Stu.RASNZ outburst
CETWW 260903.567 116 Stu.RASNZ outburst
ERICK 260903.553 144 Stu.RASNZ outburst
ERIPS 260903.567 130 Stu.RASNZ outburst
PAVGS 260903.423 149 Stu.RASNZ outburst
SGRV1830 260903.416 124 Stu.RASNZ outburst
DDE 77 260903.568 136 Stu.RASNZ outburst
(Section updated regularly.)
Page Medal: Astronomical Society of Australia (2024)
In 2024, I was honoured to receive the Berenice and Arthur Page Medal from the Astronomical Society of Australia, recognising excellence in amateur astronomy and long-term scientific contribution. The award was presented at the National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers in Parkes, New South Wales.
Annual Observational Analysis (1993–2026)
A summary table that details my annual Visual Observations of variable stars since 1993.
- Annual observations, significant milestones, and discoveries.
- 2025 Year in Review: EF Eri Detection and Highlights
- Archive: Full Annual Reports (2016-2024)
AAVSO Merit Award (2021)
I received the AAVSO Merit Award at the 110th Anniversary Meeting of the American Association of Variable Star Observers in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This award recognised the consistent delivery of time-critical visual observations and alerts since 1997.
Recently Published Research
My visual observations provide the groundwork for multi-wavelength studies. To date, this data has contributed to 110 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ) and Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A), as well as non-refereed publications.
- Observational study of double superoutbursts in long-orbital-period AM CVn stars (2026)
- New Eclipsing Dwarf Nova V598 Sco (2025)
- Betelgeuse Eclipses
- SU UMa-type dwarf nova and precursor events
- Symbiotic star photometry studies
- Deep visual eclipses in Wolf-Rayet stars
- New anomalous Z Cam and southern Z Cam-type dwarf novae
A complete list is available on the Published Papers page.
Navigation & Next Steps
Use the menu above to explore:
- Annual Observational Analysis (1993–2026): Detailed annual summaries, stars of note and outburst highlights.
- Discovery Archive: A complete record of cataclysmic variable discoveries, reclassifications and rare detections.
- Individual Discovery Pages: Detailed pages for rare and significant objects, including V4641 Sgr, GW Lib, V745 Sco, SV Ari, GR Ori, T Pyx, N Sco 1437 A.D.
- Observational Data & Light Curves: Visual data plots of ongoing CV monitoring
- Published Research: Refereed papers and scientific contributions
- Telescope & Observatory: Technical details of the telescope and observatory
Footer Note
Thank you for visiting. Observations and updates are submitted in real time as weather and observing conditions permit. For current alerts or specific data, please refer to the relevant section or contact me through the site.
Tetoora Road Observatory 