Danie Overbeek

This month's variable contrasts with V818 Sco in that whereas V818 is never quite steady, TU Mensae has long periods of quiescence when it cannot be seen at all. About twice a year, it has violent outbursts which brighten it to mag 12.5 or thereabouts. These outbursts last quite long, typically several weeks. During an outburst, it exhibits "superhumps" or slight short lived further brightenings.

This could be a challenge to practitioners of CCD photometry.

A feature which makes the star attractive to us is its high southern declination. It can be observed with ease all the year round.

TU's field is easy to identify because it lies in line with the arrow formed by Eta Mensae which it has for a tail and the three connected stars for a head. Enjoy it!