Abstract: The eclipsing binary star RZ Cas and the cepheid variable RT Aur will be observed through binoculars and their magnitudes will be estimated visually using the methods of Argelander and Neiland-Blajko. 1. There are three minima of RZ Cas suitable for observing in the period 18-22.11.96. The light curves around the minima and the moments of the minima can be derived based on visual observations. Series of CCD images of the star obtained in a professional observatory could serve to get the same data. Then the results could be compared. 2. The star RT Aur can be observed by our group and other groups of participants in Astronomy On-Line. Using the combined data of all observers we could try to plot the light curve of the star.

Full Text of Proposal

Comments by OPC

General Comments: Visual (relative) lightcurves of the eclipsing binary RZ Cas and the cepheid RT Aur will be estimated using binoculars. The results are compared with the CCD photometry requested in this proposal.

Visibility:RZ Cas and RT Aur are visible.

Special Comments: It is not clear if also RT Aur has to be bserved (V=5.5) with CCD. The observations are time critical: visual minima of RZ Cas are predicted to occur in the nights of 18, 19 and 21 November.

Expected time consumption (including overhead): 1 hour centered on visual minimum in B band is proposed. In principle, short exposures belonging to other programs could be fitted in, in exchange for observations of RZ Cas at other epochs, but the minimum should be well covered.

Proposed facility:Any of the Northern facilities.