Hello! Brian suggested that I repost here. Thanks.
I’m wondering if I should change my SPV targets. Currently, I observe RR CET, SZ HYA, and DY HER throughout the year. These are well observed variables, so my observations provide continuous basic coverage.
I’ve not submitted observations to AAVSO for several years after moving to an area with poor seeing and equipment issues. I’ve recently sent my 8" LX200 and SBIG ST402 with BVIC filters to Starfront in Texas and have resumed my sequences.
Since the SPVs I had been observing are well observed, I’m wondering if there would be more value to change to others on the SPV observing list that have requests for additional data. I realize that well observed variables require continuous monitoring, but I would like guidance whether changing to other less well observed variables on the target list would provide more “bang for the buck.” Best regards.
Mike
It seems as though one could get an idea of which stars need observing simply for times-of-maximum from the GEOS RR Lyrae database:
I wonder however if there would be lots more value in having complete lightcurves in UBV, and specifically including U-B colors. This gives way more information about the temperatures/luminosities involved and how the pulses propagate out from the interior of the star. All would have to have very good external calibration, not just differential photometry. I do not know for sure, but I think this sort of thing has not been done for some decades for many of the bright RRLs.
I would very much appreciate professional advice along these lines regarding the physical interpretation of the various color-indices.
\Brian
Hello Mike,
I think there’s some value in all observations, but that’s not a very useful answer for you 
A good place to start is probably the current list if alert/campaign stars that are SPV.
The SPP newsletter also has targets of interest.
Adding any observations is useful and appreciated though!
-Kenneth
Thanks! There are several candidates that could easily replace the three in my program. That was how I selected these 3 years ago, if I remember correctly.
I’m still dealing with some equipment issues. As those resolve, I’ll check out new candidates. Thanks.
Mike