The southern RCB star V854 Cen has again faded to about 1 magnitude below its usual maximum brightness and, based on its history of being one of the more active RCB stars, would seem to be overdue for a deep decline.  The last deep but brief decline commenced in 2022 July.  V854 Cen is, however, now becoming difficult to observe as it approaches conjunction with the sun.  Recent visual observations :

CENV854              20230915.437     73           WPX

CENV854              20230918.411     74           WPX

CENV854              20231008.416     79           WPX

CENV854              20231009.426     81           WPX

CENV854              20231011.388     82           WPX

Tks and regards

Peter Williams

Heathcote NSW

10x50mm & 20x80mm binoculars