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 925 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 V1193 Cyg is a quick eclipsing binary variable star with a period of
0.50376561 days and which involves a delta mag of 0.5 (p) magnitudes during this brief time interval. The variable nature of V1193 Cyg was
first reported by
Hoffmeister
in 1963 along with many other new variables in the vicinity of 33 Cyg and other fields of view.
V1193 Cyg is an W Ursae Majoris-type eclipsing system where the ellipsoidal components are virtually in contact with each
other and, hence, for its classification, namely "EW".
Further details from the International Variable Star Index are available
here whereas an AAVSO finder chart is available
here.
Variable Star: V1193 Cyg Other Designation: GSC 3949-0797 RA / Dec: 20h 21m 11s / +59° 36' 04" Magnitude: 13.8 - 14.3 (p) Period: 0.50376561 days Variability: EW Comparison Star: GSC 3949:0689 Check Star: GSC 3949:1337 |
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Date: Aug 06, 2013 00:15:00 - 04:10:26 UT+3 Location: Athens, Greece (38.2997° N, 23.7430° E) Equipment: AP 305/f3.8 Riccardi-Honders AP 1200GTO GEM SBIG ST-10XME SBIG CFW-10 SBIG LRGB filters Integrations:
Temperatures:
Software: CCDSoft V5.00.201 AIP4Win V2.4.0 Processing: Reduction Differential Photometry |