[vsnet-alert 5666] AK Cnc outburst

[Taichi Kato <tkato>]

AK Cnc outburst

   As reported, AK Cnc, an SU UMa-type dwarf nova with a short orbital
period, is udergoing an (relatively rare) outburst.  The last confirmed
outburst occurred in 2000 Feb, which was a superoutburst.  As in other
short period systems, outbursts of AK Cnc are relatively rare, and are
often associated with varieties of phenomena (clear precursor,
rebrightening) seen in similar systems (as in T Leo, UV Per, V1028 Cyg etc.).
Development of superhumps is another very important point to follow, since
some of these short-period systems tend to show "early superhumps".

   An earlier likely superoutburst (not well observed) of AK Cnc was
observed in 1999 March, which was preceded by a precursor 10 days before.
Previous observations of superhumps in AK Cnc were still rather limited,
so we encourage further time-resolved CCD observations, if the present
outburst continues.  (The CCD observation of 13.6 mag on Feb. 12.1436
according to AAVSO News Flash #737 strongly suggests a superoutburst!).
If the outburst turns out to be a genuine superoutburst, the object would
be an ideal target before QW Ser rises!

  YYYYMMDD(UT)   mag  observer
  20010209.835  <135  (E. Muyllaert)
  20010210.456  <134  (R. Stubbings)
  20010211.301  <142  (M. Simonsen)
  20010211.478  <140  (R. Stubbings)
  20010212.887  <137  (G. Poyner)
  20010212.948  <136  (H. McGee)
  20010213.847   136  (E. Muyllaert)

Regards,
VSNET Collaboration team

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