VARIABLE OF THE MONTH

UW CENTAURI

This star is a typical example of the R Coronae Borealis class of variables. In a lecture to the then Transvaal Centre, Prof Michael Feast described these stars as occasionally hiding behind puffs of sooty cloud which they emit at irregular intervals.

For a number of years, UW has been at about magnitude 9.5 but in January 1997 it suddenly started to fade and disappeared from our ken within a few weeks. It is still invisible and noone can tell when it will emerge from the smoke screen of its own making. When it does emerge, it is expected to brighten very rapidly indeed so the spot where it should be is worth watching every clear night. In its bright state, it fluctuates slightly so it should be observed all the time. Fortunately, this is possible as it is just north of the Southern Cross and is never completely lost in the sun's glare.

Enjoy - you may be the lucky person first to see it after its long hibernation!

Danie.