Outburst of GK Persei
Abstract:
As reported in AAVSO Special Notice #125, the cataclysmic variable GK Persei appears to be entering another outburst. The object began a slow rise on or about 2008 September 10 UT (JD 2454719.5), rising nearly one magnitude above its typical quiescent level of m(vis) = 13, to near m(vis) = 12.2 at present (2008 September 24 UT, JD 2454733.5). This rate of brightening is typical of past outbursts, and suggests a rise to full outburst may occur soon. However, this activity comes much sooner than expected based on past intervals between outbursts, and the last outburst (2006 December 5, JD 2454075) reached a much fainter maximum than normal -- about m(vis)=11.5, more than one magnitude fainter than the typical m(vis)=10.5-10.0.
Justification:
Observers are asked to closely follow GK Persei at all wavelengths during the current outburst, however it may evolve. Both visual and filtered CCD photometry are strongly encouraged.
Requested Data Types:
Photometry
Spectroscopy Lines:
No spectroscopy lines provided
Photometry Filters:
No photometry filters provided
Comparison Stars:
No comparison stars provided
Co-Authorship
Observers are not eligible for co-authorship.
Additional Observer Input:
Not provided
Additional Submission Location:
Not provided
Forum URL
N/A
Notes:
Principal Investigator: N/A; Imported Campaign (Alert Notice #384)