I was able to make some further variable star observations in September. Firstly, on the 13th where the moon was one day before last quarter, I had a go at three stars with my 10x50 binoculars. Twilight ended at about 20:30 UT and the moon rose at 20:27. The skies were clear but the sky transparency was average. Here are my results:-
TX Dra, 20.59 UT, chart 106.04, K(4)V(3)N, mag. 7.4
AH Dra, 21.14 UT, chart 106.04, 2(2)V(3)6, mag 7.5
CH Cyg, 22.03 UT, chart 089.04, F(1)V(6)H, mag 8.6
CH Cygni has been fading quite a bit recently. It is now approaching 9th magnitude, which makes it difficult to measure in smaller aperture binoculars. It may not get any fainter than 9.5.
On the 30th September the moon was one day after last quarter and wouldn't set until about 22:03. Twilight ended at 19:45 UT. The skies were clear apart from some cloud in the south west. The sky transparency was again average. I observed TX and AH Draconis again. I also had a go at CH Cygni but I gave up as it was too faint. Here are my results:-
TX Dra, 22.22 UT, chart 106.04, K(3)V(4)N, mag. 7.3
AH Dra, 22.34 UT, chart 106.04, 2(2)V(3)6, mag 7.5
All my results are in very good agreement with other observers from the BAA.
All text and images © Duncan Hale-Sutton 2025
