December 30, 2007: Rapid brightening of the symbiotic star Z Andromedae (AAVSO 2328+48) has been reported by observers Eddy Muyllaert, Mike Gainsford, and John Bortle on the BAAVSS Alert newsgroup. The observations recently reported to the AAVSO suggest a new outburst may indeed be underway, having begun some time between December 22.8500 UT (JD 2454457.35; m(vis)=11.1 by Erwin Van Ballegoij) and December 28.0033 UT (JD 2454462.5033; m(V)=10.039 by Shawn Dvorak). The most recent visual observation (JD 2454464.6, 2007 December 30.1 UT) reported to the AAVSO by John Bortle (BRJ) places Z Andromedae at a visual magnitude of 9.6.
Z Andromedae is a bright and well-observed variable star, and observers are asked to continue closely monitoring this object over the coming days and weeks as this object progresses through its current activity. Both visual magnitude estimates and filtered instrumental photometry (CCD and photoelectric) are encouraged.
Z Andromedae is located at RA 23:33:40.00, Dec +48:49:06.0 (J2000)
Charts for this object may be plotted with the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter: http://www.aavso.org/observing/charts/vsp/index.html?pickname=Z%20And
Please report all observations to the AAVSO as Z AND (2328+48).
This AAVSO Special Notice was prepared by Dr. Matthew Templeton.
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