VV Cephei
Abstract
C. A. Whitney, Harvard College Observatory, reports the following observations, obtained with the 40-cm reflector at the Agassiz Station: Nov. 9.1 UT, V = 5.03, B = 6.97, U 8.05; Nov. 11.1 UT, V = 5.09, B = 7.02, U = 8.14. The U magnitude is 0.9 fainter than its normal value (Lee 1970, Astrophys. J. 162, 217), suggesting that the first contact of the eclipse of the B-type main-sequence component by its M-type supergiant companion has already occurred (cf. IAUC 2811; Fredrick 1960, Astron. J. 65, 628). G. G. Spear, Sonoma State College Observatory, writes that second contact is predicted for Dec. 1, while mid-eclipse is expected sometime in Aug. 1977; the eclipse depth is expected to be perhaps 0.25 magnitude in V, 0.65 magnitude in B and nearly 2.0 magnitudes in U. A. Galatola has organized a campaign to observe the eclipse and would be glad to receive observations (especially those in the UBV system); his address is 47 Galbraith Avenue, West Norriton, PA 19401, U.S.A.
- Publication:
-
International Astronomical Union Circular
- Pub Date:
- November 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976IAUC.3006....2W