Algol - A demonic variable star

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BobSikes
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Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by BobSikes »

Algol, Beta Perseus, is sinking into the west, but we still have a few more weeks to catch a fade or two. After all it fades every 2.87 days, and sometimes, even at night.

The magnitude drops from a nice, bright 2.1 to a 3.4. For those of you blessed by light polution :roll: this means that every 3 days Algol will vanish! And then return a couple of hours later.

My favorite comparison stars are Gamma And - nearby at the northern end of Andromeda which is nearly identical to the normal 2.1 brightness level and RHO Perseus (the greek letter looks somewhat like a p) since it lies nearby. It's normally at mag 3.3 and thus Algol dims to match it. But since rho will also dim from time to time down to a 4.0, find delta or gamma Perseus as backups.


The next two minima are at 3/22 at 11:06 pm and then at 7:55pm on 3/25. Get out there before the minima to see the normal brightness and find the comparison stars. And let us know what you see!

You can get a complete listing of the Algol minimum brightness at:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observin ... 04096.html

Also the AAVSO is a great source of information
http://www.aavso.org/vstar/vsots/0199.shtml

and a star map
http://www.aavso.org/images/Betaper-aa.gif

PS: Gamma And is a very nice double star. Check it out!


BobS
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NGC7000
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by NGC7000 »

HI Bob,

Thanks for pointing this out last night. I'm going to be on the lookout for Algol on the 22nd and hope to point it out to others.

Tom
Tom H
"Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. Science is the highest personification of the nation because that nation will remain the first which carries the furthest the works of thought and intelligence." - Louis Pasteur
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Galactus
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by Galactus »

Bob,

I will try on the 22nd to see the differences. Then I will treat myself to it on the 25th as it will be my natal anniversary... :lol: 8)
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Pete
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

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Estimating variables in real time can be difficult. George, I suggest that if you put a really wide lens on your camera you can trigger off images of the whole cycle and carefully compare them at your leisure.

Pete
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

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Thanks for that suggestion, Pete! Will do!
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

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That would be cool George. If you mount your camera on your tracking scope and shoot at 15 minute intervals you could do a slide show, compressing the entire sequence into a presentable couple of minutes! I'd love to see that.

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Galactus
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by Galactus »

Actually, I planned to use a freeware program that is an automated time lapse photo creator. It may be able to make a time-lapse .avi film of Algol. I got it to do milky way shots at Stellafane. Great Minds think alike! 8)
Galactus, Devourer of Worlds
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NGC7000
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by NGC7000 »

George, gynbtw, to what freeware do you refer? Is it CHDK?

Tom
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"Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. Science is the highest personification of the nation because that nation will remain the first which carries the furthest the works of thought and intelligence." - Louis Pasteur
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Galactus
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by Galactus »

Tom and Pete--

Flix V.3.3

Only semi freeware ($10 to register amd I may do so after trying); the video on the "trial" has a watermark. I have yet to try it. Hope it works.

Download it and learn more here--

http://www.nimisis.com/projects/flix.php
Galactus, Devourer of Worlds
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Galactus
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Re: Algol - A demonic variable star

Unread post by Galactus »

Actually, Canon's own EOS Utility program that comes with the camera offers a feature for taking "interval photos" that is setting automatic frame capture at set intervals. Still wondering if I can use the same Canon software to assemble the frames to an .avi or other video type. We'll see. I am going to experiment this week.
Galactus, Devourer of Worlds
AKA, George H
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25X100 Zhumell Binos w/Pete's Pipes
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