I have received the following request from Darryl Sargison, University of Exeter:
In Autumn 2013 I am undertaking a new study into the nature of
pre-main-sequence low mass stars, using time series optical
> spectroscopy and UV-Visual-IR photometry with my PhD supervisor Tim
> Naylor of Exeter University (UK). We will use professional telescopes
> to obtain data from six nearby T-Tauri stars (in the Taurus/Auriga
> star forming region) with unprecedented time and spectral resolution.
> The aim is to build a clearer picture of the environment around young
> solar-type stars and characterise their various disc, accretion and
> outflow structures.
>
> This study offers a great opportunity for professional-amateur
> collaboration as the objects (with V magnitudes of 10 - 13) are well
> within the reach of photometry by small telescopes. Amateur
> observations are uniquely useful to us in the study of chaotically
> variable young stars as they offer crucial datapoints in the
> lightcurve between observations made by professional telescopes.
>
> We would be very keen to recruit(!) AAVSO observers who are interested
> in being part of this study and able to contribute visual or (V and R
> band) filtered CCD photometry. All contributing observers will be
> acknowledged in the published papers, significant contributors may
> also be co-authors. I do have one spare 1.25" V band filter that I
> could lend to any interested observer who may wish to borrow it for
> the duration of this programme.
>
> In preparation for the main data collection next autumn, we would like
> to start monitoring targets immediately. The first 3 targets that we
> will be studying are RY Tau, DN Tau and DR Tau. It would be great if
> you could help to spread the word and invite observers to participate
> in our programme.
As AAVSO charts are available for all these stars, nobody has any excuse not to join in!
Look for an Alert Notice on this next week -- we have a few other announcements that need to go out first, but then we'll add a formal campaign on these objects to the Observing Campaigns list.
I've printed the charts,... now it's only waiting for clear skies!
I just saw a very bright (mag. ~10?) object just North of DR Tau. It's even closer (just to the East) to the position of V1001 TAU. V1001 Tau was barely visible. Time: 22:34UT. An asteroid close by?
(edit: it was V1001 Tau closeby, not V1004 Tau)
And:
"No known minor planets, brighter than V = 13, were found in the 60.0-arcminute region around R.A. = 04 47, Decl. = +17 02 (J2000.0) on 2012 10 27.94 UT. "
Edit 2: It's probably gsc 1271 1265, which was not on the chart (http://www.aavso.org/vsp/chart/pl/9925WP)
The three targets mentioned for immediate monitoring (RY Tau, DN Tau, DR Tau) - How many data points per night are you looking for? I'll add them to my schedule tomorrow evening
..george
I will try to make photometry on these stars. I keep waiting an alert notice to know the details of the campaign.
Performing BVRI time-series photometry on RY Tau, DN Tau and DR Tau until tonight until 2012-11-08 10:37 UTC.
Michael
I can certainly image these stare and take spectra of at least DR Tau as it is the furthest south and rises highest for me (in Oz). How long will the campaign go?
These stars currently transit until ~0200 hrs local time. This is too late for me as I have to work during the day. This will be much easier in a couple of months. Is there a finish date?
Cheers
Terry B
Darryl Sergison's T Tau stars campaign (AAVSO Alert Notice 473) will run through the 2013-2014 observing season at the very least and possibly longer. His multiwavelength observations start in October-November 2013; he has started the campaign now to build solid light curves and spectra to understand better the behavior of the targets and to maximize the efficiency of those multiwavelength observations.
Many thanks for your interest and participation!
Good observing, Elizabeth Waagen