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The eclipsing binary HS0705+6700 binary and the search for circumbinary objects
HS0705+6700 (also identified as V470 Cam) is a short period (2.3 h) post-common envelope detached eclipsing sdB binary system which exhibits transit time variations (TTVs) of a cyclical nature. We report a further 25 timings of light minima and show that our new TTVs support and extend this cyclical pattern to 1.6 periods. We examine possible causes of the observed TTVs and confirm that the presence of a third, and possibly a fourth, body could provide an elegant explanation of these cyclical variations. However other non-circumbinary mechanisms, e.g. Applegate magnetic dynamo effects, will remain possible contenders until sufficient data has been accumulated to demonstrate that the periodicity of the TTVs is time independent. A further 27 eclipse timings recorded between 2014 October and 2015 April are reported in the Addendum. These new timings occurred 0.00012 days (~10s) later than anticipated by our circumbinary model. Two possible explanations are offered.
Read moreKitchen table collimation of a Cassegrain-type reflector
A method of daytime collimation of a Cassegrain-type reflecting telescope is described, which uses a circular target aligned on the optical axis of the primary mirror. Basic construction details are given for making a suitable target and a procedure is outlined for collimating both Schmidt–Cassegrain and Ritchey–Chrétien telescopes.
Read moreSpectral changes in AC Herculis during its rise to a maximum in 2014 July
Four low resolution (R~1000) spectra were obtained of the RV Tauri-type variable AC Her during its rise from a deep minimum in July 2014. These show changes in spectral type and Balmer line equivalent width as the star brightened, consistent with earlier observations.
Read moreThe controversial pen of Edwin Holmes
Edwin Alfred Holmes (1839-1919) is best remembered for his discovery of a bright comet in 1892, now known as Comet 17P/Holmes. An amateur astronomer and authority on optics, he was an original member of the BAA and contributed to its Journal and meetings for many years. As a prolific writer of letters to English Mechanic, he developed a reputation for his controversial and acerbic penmanship.
Read moreAbsolute Beginners No. 3: A short introduction to some common types of telescope
IntroductionFor most of us, the central issue in taking up astronomy is deciding what type of telescope to buy. In
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