Abstract
MAXIMA OF MIRA CETI, 1915.—From observations made between November 21, 1914, and March 8, 1916, Mr. Felix de Roy has concluded that the dates of maxima of MiraCeti were January 25, 1915 (mag. 3·8), and December 20, 1915 (mag. 3·0), while the intervening minimum (mag. 8·7) occurred on August 22 (Mem. della Soc. degli Spett. Ital., vol. v., series 2, July). The first maximum of 1915 was the feeblest observed since 1896, and its abnormal character has already been discussed by A. Bemporad (NATURE, vol. xcv., p. 405). The brightness at the minimum was also exceptional, having been equalled or exceeded only at six of the fortv-three minima which have been sufficiently recorded. The second maximum of 1915 showed a normal amplitude of variation, and a normal interval from minimum to maximum, and a return of the star to normal conditions is suggested. A general discussion of the “perturbations” indicates the probability that the diminution and re-establishment of the brightness at maximum, of the amplitude, and of the interval from maximum to minimum, are progressive, and pass through a minimum when the maximum is abnormal. The disturbances usually extend through three or four periods, but the three elements are not always simultaneously affected, and no periodicity for the abnormal maxima can yet be established.
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Our Astronomical Column . Nature 98, 21–22 (1916). https://doi.org/10.1038/098021a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/098021a0