HW Boötis: an enigmatic cataclysmic variable star

We present the 13-year lightcurve of HW Boo between 2001 May and 2014 May. We identified 12 outbursts, which typically lasted 2 to 5 days, with an amplitude of 2.7 to 3.6 magnitudes. We discuss whether HW Boo might be a dwarf nova of the SU UMa family or an Intermediate Polar, but further observations are needed to support classification.

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William Sadler Franks and the Brockhurst Observatory

William Sadler Franks (1851-1935) was astronomer-in-charge at F. J. Hanbury’s private observatory at Brockhurst, near East Grinstead, Sussex, from 1909 until his death in 1935. This paper reviews the observational projects Franks undertook at Brockhurst, including his work on double stars, red stars, diffuse nebulae and dark nebulae, as well as his involvement with the commissioning of a 24-inch reflector built by Thomas William Bush.

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Saturn in 1995−’96

BAA observations between 1995 April and 1996 February are reviewed. Highlights of the apparition were observations of the phenomena of the triple ring-plane crossings by the Earth and the ring-plane crossing of the Sun, the results of which show that the predicted times were correct to within a few hours. Transits and shadow transits of Titan, Rhea, Dione and Tethys were observed. Several mutual satellite events were also observed, either visually or by means of CCD cameras. White spot activity could again be followed in the planet’s northern Equatorial Zone (EZ), though it was much reduced from 1994-’95: the long-enduring white spot (WS1) had survived solar conjunction and continued to move with a rotation period close to 10h 22m, as did another short-lived feature…

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