A variable star, as its name suggests, is a star whose magnitude varies intrinsically, in contrast to eclipsing binaries whose magnitude
varies as a result of one star in the binary system eclipsing the other. True variables are one of five types, namely Mira stars, semiregular
stars, cepheids, eruptive variables and, finally, cataclysmic variables. Minimum to maximum magnitude can range from days to many months with
some variables displaying irregular periods.
A popular method for the study of variable stars, particularly short-term variables, is by the use of the technique known as "differential
photometry". Rather than measure the (variable) magnitude of a variable star on an absolute scale, measurements are made over time relative to
one or more non-variable star(s) and these differences are then plotted so as to study and illustrate the relative or differential change in
magnitude. Due to the very large number of variables stars, the field of differential photometry represents one of the key fields in astronomy
whereby the amateur astronomer can make a meaningful and long-lasting contribution to both science and astronomy.
More recently, the search for extrasolar planets (over 750 discovered so far) has identified yet another interesting application for the
practice of differential photometry whereby the minute drops in magnitude of a star hosting an exoplanet are studied. Further details for the
interested party are available here.
Note: The eclipsing binary star CW Cas is a quick eclipsing binary variable star with a period of 0.31886304
days and which involves a delta mag of 0.60 (v) magnitudes during this brief time interval. The variable nature of CW Cas was discovered by
Parenago in the mid 1930's and various studies since then have found evidence to suggest a variable period (see
Burchi and de Santis).
CW Cas is a W Ursae Majoris-type eclipsing system where the binary components involve main sequence stars with ellipsoidal components
virtually in contact with each other and, hence, for its classification, namely "EW/KW".
Further details from the International Variable Star Index are available
here whereas an AAVSO finder chart is available
here.
Note: The minima observed below represent the primary and secondary minima, respectively
Variable Star: CW Cas Other Designation: GSC 4020-1743 RA / Dec: 00h 45m 53s / +63° 05' 08" Magnitude: 11.02 - 11.62 (v) Period: 0.31886304 days Variability: EW/KW Comparison Star: GSC 4020:1349 Check Star: GSC 4020:0823 |
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Date: Sep 23-24, 2012 21:00 - 03:16 UT+3 Location: Athens, Greece Equipment: AP 305/f3.8 Riccardi-Honders AP 1200GTO GEM SBIG ST-10XME SBIG CFW10 SBIG LRGB filters Integrations:
Temperatures:
Software: CCDSoft V5.00.201 AIP4Win V2.4.0 Processing: Reduction Differential Photometry |