Observing Campaign #884: RW Aur fading episode - monitoring requested

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View here: Details for RW Aur fading episode - monitoring requested

Abstract: AAVSO Young Stellar Objects Special Interest Group Leader Mike Poxon (Great Plumstead, Norfolk, UK) writes: ”[Since late 2024 the classical T Tau star RW Aur] has declined about a magnitude and a half, and seems to be continuing, possibly with fluctuations.” Multicolor photometry is requested to monitor this event.

Justification: “All wavebands are varying parallel with the visual, indicating obscuration by solid material (we know RW Aur has at least one planetesimal). In the recent past these fading episodes have been caused by violent processes in the system. RW Aur has a companion and at these times it seems to have tidally disrupted this second forming star and flung the material around the stellar environment.”

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I’m observing every clear evening with several AAVSONet instruments in BVRI.
Peter
BPEC

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This is a very interesting object in many wavelengths. In the past, we’ve gotten observations with NASA’s Chandra X-ray telescope. I’m seeing if it is feasible to try again; however those observations would not happen for another year or so because space telescopes are very competitive and programs are chosen only once per year.