The AAVSO has partnered with the Supernova Early Warning System (SNEWS) team to observe possible supernova progenitors to obtain photometric data. SNEWS wants to gather as much data as possible on these progenitors with the goal of understanding the characteristics and behavior of these stars before they might go supernova someday, and possibly predict which actually could explode in some relatively near future. Light curves may play an important role to accomplish this goal. SNEWS has generated a lengthy list of candidate supergiant stars for study. These stars are bright and are great candidates for visual observers using binoculars or telescopes (even naked eye observations for a few!). For a good description of this project go to http://www.aavso.org/snews-campaign and think about participating.
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 02:51