Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 03/13/2019 - 12:20
The well-known semiregular variable AF Cygni is very bright now, visual magnitude around 6.0. This is one of the brightest maxima in its recorded history. The variability of this star was discovered by Williamina Fleming when she examined Harvard plates taken during the years 1900-1908.
Kind regards,
Hans Bengtsson (BHS)
Thanks for this heads up! I'll add it to my list of variable stars to observe.
Is there any reason to think it might continue to brighten?
Bob
Super
There were bright maxima of AF Cyg in May 1926, June 1963, April 1965, and also September 2018, but 10-day-means on these occasions give no values brighter than visual magnitude 6.2-6.4. My estimate 6.0 on March 11, 2019, is supported by the estimate 6.1 by Gustav Holmberg on the 10th of March. Normally my observations of AF Cyg are about 0.1 fainter than indicated by the average lightcurve, so I would not be suprised if some observers now would estimate AF in the interval 5.5-5.8. So, please observe this fine semiregular variable, do not wait until it has faded.
By the way, AF Cyg was one of the first variables I observed, it was back in 1969.
Yes, it was one of my first too, maybe 2 or 3 years after yours.
I have managed to observe this VS a few times now. Been challenging with the cloud cover. I’ve pegged it at 5.8 now. But I’m hoping others may provide a sanity check to my estimate. I hesitate to drop it this low but I really try to be objective with my observation. I’m comparing it to a handful of neighbors all with similar mags.
Bob
WRLA
I'll try AF Cyg's ratings tonight
Minimum 8.0 mag