Here are predictions for eclipses that are reasonably favourable from the UK during March, April and May:
Times are in UT (same as GMT, 1 hour behind BST – so, for example, 22.8h UT is 23.8h BST) Read more
Variable Star news
Mira visible with the naked-eye
The variable star Mira (omicron Ceti) brightened rapidly during January and is now visible with the naked-eye from reasonably dark observing sites. From less dark sites it should be easy to see in small binoculars. Read more
Variable Star light curves for 2016
Here are the light curves for 2016 for the variable stars that are on the section’s programme. Also included at the end are light curves for a number of interesting variable stars that have been monitored by section members duriing 2016.
Mira about to brighten rapidly
Here is the 2016 light curve for Mira (omicron Ceti), based on observations made by Matthew Barrett, Tracie Heywood, Jonathan Shanklin and Tony Markham:
Eclipsing Binary predictions : 2017 Jan & Feb
Here are predictions for the most favourably timed eclipses from the UK during January and February:
Times are in UT (same as GMT).
Looking back to two late summer maxima
The Mira type variables Chi Cygni and R Ursae Majoris passed through their 2016 maxima during the late summer.
The decreasing amplitude of R Scuti
Observations by section members show that R Scuti has had a relatively quiet year in 2016, compared with recent years.
R CrB has been brightening
R Coronae Borealis has been brightening in recent months and is now approaching the brightness range that makes it visible in binoculars.
Eclipsing Binary predictions : 2016 Nov and Dec
Here are predictions for the most favourably timed eclipses from the UK during November and December:
R Trianguli now visible in binoculars
The Mira type variable R Trianguli is now visible in binoculars as it brightens towards its December maximum.