Probably New Variable Star

Abstract

ON January 22, 1879, I observed near O² Canis, a very remarkable double star, with one component a fiery red 8.5 magnitude, and the other a blue 9. The contrast of colours was very striking, but there was little difference in size. In a letter recently received from the Rev. Mr. Webb, I find that it was previously observed by him, and it appears as one of his own discoveries in the second edition of “Celestial Objects,” published in 1868. The red star is there classed as 6.5 mag., and the blue as 8. The two stars, therefore, appeared to differ very considerably in magnitude when seen by Mr. Webb, while to me, eleven years subsequently, they seemed quite nearly equal. Hence I conclude that the red is a variable, and I wish to call the attention of observers to it while it still remains in view. By a rough measurement I make out its position for 1881 = α 7h. 10m. 44s., and δ - 23° 6′.6.