August 6, 2007
R CrB: 15:48:34.41 +28:09:24.3 (2000.0)
The prototype of its class and characterized by random fadings from maximum light, 1544+28A R Coronae Borealis continues to fade in brightness. Observations reported to the AAVSO indicate that the present fading from its maximum visual magnitude of 6.0 began in early July 2007. Fading slowly to about magnitude 7.0 by July 17, it remained at that magnitude before continuing to fade again on July 22, since when it has declined more steeply, reaching magnitude 10.8 on August 6.
The last minimum of R CrB occurred in 2003, when it began fading from 6.0 in early January, reached minimum of 12.7 at the end of February, remained around minimum until mid-March, and returned to maximum in June.
Over 100 observers have contributed over 700 observations of R CrB to the AAVSO International Database since the current fading began - we cannot list all the observers or observations, as we would usually do. They may be seen on the AAVSO website (https://www.aavso.org) as individual observations (via the Quick Look page) or as a light curve (via the Light Curve Generator).
We thank you very much for your valuable contributions, and urge you to keep a close eye on the unpredictable R CrB through its meanderings until it has returned to maximum once again. (For an idea of just how unpredictable R CrB can be, take a look at the historical light curve on the first page of "AAVSO Monograph 4: Light Curves of R CrB 1843-1990" (http://www.aavso.org/images/HISTRCRB.GIF). Much of the data in this figure and all subsequent data may be viewed via the Light Curve Generator.)
Good observing!
This Special Notice was compiled by: Elizabeth O. Waagen
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