Tetoora Road Observatory

 Welcome to my

 Variable Star Pages

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 organisations 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 detection’s, and activity on variable stars. 

Tetoora Road Observatory

Photography by William PJ Kulich

 

22″ f/3.8 Dobsonian Telescope “Infinity”

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.

Recent casual chat/podcast on my variable star work

 

The Eclipsing Symbiotic Star AR Pav

My visual light curve on the eclipsing symbiotic star AR Pav between epoch 73 and 79. AR Pav has a  period of 604.5 days

 

Current outburst detection’s:  June 16,  2021

AQLUU 210616.833 130 Stu.RASNZ outburst
AQLDH 210616.833 127 Stu.RASNZ outburst
CAPSY 210616.834 132 Stu.RASNZ outburst
CRABP 210616.814 142 Stu.RASNZ outburst
ERICK 210616.796 142 Stu.RASNZ outburst
OCTBE 210616.825 166 Stu.RASNZ outburst
SGRV729 210616.805 146 Stu.RASNZ outburst

Recent publications

Betelgeuse Eclipses 2020 (Alpha Orionis)

Honoured to be a co-author on a paper “The dusty eclipses of Betelgeuse” submitted in July 2020. Betelgeuse has dimmed again which is caused by two dust clouds. These findings will be presented at the 106th National Congress of the Italian Physical Society held online from 14 to 18 September. The latest Astronomer’s Telegram 31, Aug 2020 can be found here. astronomerstelegram.org/?read=13982

CS Ind

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.

AR Pav

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

 

Moon Snaps with iPhone

Tetoora Road observatory photos