VV Puppis
Abstract
H. S. Stockman and J. R. P. Angel, Steward Observatory, report a dramatic brightening in the magnetic variable VV Pup. Following an extended period of low activity (mv >~ 17.5) that began in Apr. 1977 (cf. IAUC 3065) the star was observed on 1978 Mar. 4.2 UT at mv = 15.1 and mv = 15.8 during its bright and faint phases, respectively. Strong circular polarization, previously reported by Tapia (IAUC 3054), is now seen throughout the 100-min orbital period and changes sign simultaneously with the photometric variations. Stockman and Angel expect that, with the general brightening, strong H and He emission should again be present in the optical spectrum. VV Pup is now optically as bright as has been observed in recent years and may show detectable x-ray emission.
- Publication:
-
International Astronomical Union Circular
- Pub Date:
- March 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978IAUC.3187....1S