Norwegian Astronomical Society - Variable Star Section ***** RHO CASSIOPEIAE ***** The following visual observations by undersigned indicate that Rho Cassiopeiae is markedly fainter than normal: 2000 UT Observation Mag. May 8.04 B-6;E-2 [2] 4.9 Jun 2.98 B-7;E=V [2] 4.9 Aug 5.94 E-4;H+3 [1] 5.3 Aug 7.94 E-4;F+3 [2] 5.3 Aug 13.04 E-6;H+1 [1] 5.5 Aug 13.99 E-6;H+1 [2] 5.5 Observations are Pogson step estimates (one step = 0.1 mag.). Comparison stars (Identifications from BAA.VSS, V magnitudes from Yale Bright Star Catalogue, 5th edition): B = 4.16 (Kappa Cas); E = 4.88 (Sigma Cas); H = 5.56 (HR 9059, 16' W of Sigma Cas). Can anyone confirm this activity? Rho Cassiopeiae is a supergiant variable that normally is shining at magnitude 4.5-5.0. It underwent a major fading episode to mag. 6 during 1945-1947. Observer: B. H. Granslo (Fjellhamar, Norway). Instrument: 7x50 B. Yours sincerely, Bjorn H. Granslo (NAS.VSS)