CN's+questions+on+V+Cet

===1. When is the optimal time to take images or spectra, just from the point of view of when V Cet is highest in the late November night sky. (When any object is at its zenith, we look through less atmosphere when we observe it relative to any other time that evening, and thus obtain better results, other things being equal.) Answering this question requires using a celestial tracking program of some kind, such as Starry Night, or one of several online versions. (Sky and Telescope has one, free but requiring registration.)===

Answer: Since the star will be observed at Kitt Peak, in Arizona, I looked up when the star would be visibly well seen for it to be observed. Like I said yesterday, it would not be a good idea for the star to be observed while it is near the horizon, since it will appear fainter due to the greater depth of atmosphere, so I looked for a time when the star wasn't near the horizon and was higher up in the sky. It would be best observed between 7pm and 1am. The best time probably being between the time of 9:30 and 10:30, because it will be up higher in the sky.

===2. What is the expected rate of change of the light curve during our observing nights, and is there an anticipated peak that is worth centering our observations around? This consideration is independent of when it might be best viewed in terms of minimizing atmospheric distortion.===

Answer: The star V Cet will be reaching it’s magnitude on the date of November 29th. We should center our observation around this time period since it's a very important time period of the star.

3. Are there any other considerations--the moon's position, at least--that might impact our assessment of the optimal time to observe?
Answer: -The moon will be leaving a full moon and entering its last quarter around the end of November. The brightness of the moon might effect our observations. Phase of the Moon on 29 November: waning gibbous with 68% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated. At about the time of 9 o’clock on November 29, 2007 -Moon Longitude: 137.58626777827186 -Moon Latitude: 1.2952904129764664 -Right Ascension: 9.362876252267567 = 9 h 21 m 46.354508163240524s -Declination: 16.79526440611781 = 16º 47’ 42.95186202411287”

===4. Do we want a single spectrum, or more than one? (This is a question relevant to the Coude-Feed.) Do we want multiple images? (A question relevant to the .9 meter scope.) If we are after a few points on a light curve--because we have no grounds for asking for very many, on someone else's observing night--what filter should we use? Any? Why or why not? Do we have any need to generate a color image by using multiple filters one right after another? (I don't think so, but let's think it through together to be sure.) (An aside: These questions about filters apply only to photometric data--why is this?)===

Answer: I'll get back to you on this one.. I don't know much about the equipment so I really can't answer this question..