Spectroscopic observations of the bright RV Tauri variable R Scuti

TL;DR

This paper presents a series of spectroscopic observations of the RV Tauri star R Scuti during its brightness variation, highlighting the potential of amateur spectroscopy for studying complex stellar phenomena.

Contribution

First detailed spectral series of R Scuti during its brightness cycle demonstrating amateur spectroscopy's effectiveness.

Findings

Major changes in photosphere and outer atmosphere observed

Spectral data captured during star's rise from minimum to maximum

Shows amateur spectroscopy can effectively study variable stars

Abstract

A series of spectra of the RV Tauri star R Scuti taken as it rose from a deep minimum to a bright maximum during 2013 October and November reveals major changes taking place in the photosphere and outer atmosphere of the star. This may be the first such series of spectra and demonstrates the capability of amateur spectroscopy for studying these complex stars.