Procedure to add a variability type to a variable star

Technology VSX
1

Hi,

I noticed, from some data of a Pro-Am program I PI, that an Algol eclipsing binary shows also short pulsations. I see no litterature on this aspect of this target.

The data were obtained with an L-ultimate dual band filter with a color cam, [OIII] filter with a mono cam and soon (hopefully the incoming night) with a V filter with a mono cam.

What is the procedure to add this particular aspect to an already known variable star in vsx?

Should we try a “remark” or do a submission as if it was a new variable star?
Also, 3 observers should be credited.

The source would be updated from EA alone to, maybe, EA+DSCT (a quite rare and interesting type of object).

This type of update will, hopefully, not be the only one in the near future.

Thanks,
Clear skies

Sacha

1 Like
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Hi Sacha,

For such an information to be added to VSX, we need strong supporting evidence.
Algol is very bright and well-observed, so such an important finding requires compelling data.
I also recommend more than one night of time series. Coverage for as many days as possible, and with standard filters.
What is the time scale of the variations? Only Algol C could be a DSCT based on its spectral type (A5V), but it looks too faint to be detected.
On the other hand, with a B8V spectral type, the main component might be an SPB.

In any case, in order to add that information to VSX, you will need to submit a revision, because this is an existing variable. You can’t submit a new entry separately or you would be creating a duplicate.

In the future VSX, we will have the option of displaying multiple variability types with their corresponding elements, making it easier to search for all variability types and getting proper statistics for each of them.
Right now, if the additional variations are confirmed, they will have to be entered as a remark, but a phase plot showing them is also very important (so submitting all as a revision instead of just as a remark is mandatory). Such a phase plot should show an epoch of maximum as phase 0.

We will be waiting for your news on this very interesting topic.

Cheers,
Sebastian

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Hi Sebastian,

Thank you for your answer.

There is a small misunderstanding, the target in question is an EA type, not Algol itself :slight_smile:
I should have written “EA” instead of “an Algol eclipsing binary”, sorry for that.

Thanks for the infos. Once I have enough data, I will try a revision.
It is an eclipsing binary for GAIA DR3 too and it is not present in the short time scales catalog. The pulsations seem to be 2.4h of period and 10% in flux. I will try more than one night.
Still interesting!

Thank you,
Clear skies,
Sacha

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Hi Sacha,
I misread it. I don’t know why, now that I look at it again, it was pretty clear. Sorry!
In any case, you now know what to do in the future.

Gaia DR3 variables are going to be added to VSX in the weeks to come so you will be able to submit a revision with the new type.

Cheers,
Sebastian

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Here are a couple examples of existing entries that could be helpful as illustration:

An EA+GDOR

An EA+DSCT