Hi All,
I have been following the eclipsing system BL Tel in the lead-up to the up-coming eclipse predicted to centre on or around 2022 January 13, an unfortunately unfavourable event that coincides with this star passing through conjunction with the sun. The initial decline may be visible from early December and the recovery to mid-February 2022, depending upon local circumstances/conditions.
However, during October BL Tel appears to have faded somewhat more than typically occurs during its small amplitude pulsations, as shown in the following visual observations:
TELBL 20210926.384 68 WPX
TELBL 20211004.429 70 WPX
TELBL 20211005.424 72 WPX
TELBL 20211025.495 71 WPX
TELBL 20211029.449 71 WPX
TELBL 20211031.444 76 WPX
It is cloudy here tonight (Monday 01 Nov) and possibly will be for the next couple of Spring nights so I am unable to confirm this unusual behaviour. It would therefore be of assistance if others could check on BL Tel. It is far too early for onset of the next eclipse so it may be just BL Tel is having a "Betelgeuse moment" with a greater than usual amplitude at minimum during the semi-regular pulsations of the red component.
Tks and regards
Peter Williams
Heathcote NSW
10x50mm binoculars