Variable Stars

From my perspective, as a Double-Star observer, Variable Stars and Double Stars are related in that there are a couple of classes of Variables that are also compsoed of Binary Stars. The Variable class of Eclipsing Binaries is a system of two stars that cannot be visually split into their individual components because the orbit of the stars is aligned edge-on to our line-of sight.

My Variable Star Observing program contains two of these stars; the famous Algol (Beta Persei) and RZ Cassiopeia.
Other Variables that I'm keeping tabs on are the Long Period Variables (LPV's), Chi Cygni and Omicron Ceti (Mira) and T Cephei. The later is circumpolar from my lattitude and so can be observed all year. There are also two Cephids that I am also aiming to follow. Delta Cephei and Eta Aquila.

Of all the types of variable stars to observe, the LPV's tend to get ny vote as they show the greatest visual magnitude swing and can be very rewarding as they can reach naked-eye brightness and then dim to the point where only by using a modest telescope can the observer record the magnitude of the star. For the amateur, observing variables can be great fun as you only need your eyes as with the well-known Eclipsing Binary Beta Persei (Algol) high in the sky during autumn and winter nights. On 11th Nov 2006 at 20:20UT, I observed Algol at minimum through a gap in the clouds!

NEWS:- T CEPHEI AT MAXIMUM?

The LPV, T Cephei looks like it has reached maximum (25th Nov 2006) in it's 388.14 day period, with the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) projected maximum being 20th Nov 2006. I recommend using 10x50 binoculars or a small scope at lower power to observe this variable. The star will fade towrds the tenth magnitude and maybe beyond in the comming weeks and months until it reaches its minimum and starts to rise again.

The LPV, Chi Cygni is currently declining in visual magnitude and is now +8.6 as observed by myself on 20th Nov 2006. Though only visible in small scopes, by using low power there are still plenty of comparison field stars in the fov to use. Below is a webcam image of the star at +3.8 taken with a Philips webcam through a 14" SCT at f10 on 10th Aug 2006 at 22:50UT.

Updated 25/11/2006