GASP detection of a high optical state of the blazar PKS 1510-08

ATel #1204; D. Carosati (Armenzano Astronomical Observatory, Assisi, Italy), V. M. Larionov and L. Larionova (Astronomical Institute, St.-Petersburg State University and Pulkovo Observatory, St. Petersburg, Russia), M. Villata and C. M. Raiteri (INAF, Osservatorio Astronomico di Torino, Italy)
on 4 Sep 2007; 09:24 UT
Credential Certification: Stefano Vercellone (stefano@iasf-milano.inaf.it)

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With reference to ATEL #1199 reporting on the possible detection at gamma-ray energies of the blazar PKS 1510-08, the GLAST-AGILE Support Program (GASP) of the Whole Earth Blazar Telescope (WEBT) reports on the recent observation of a very bright optical state of this blazar. The source brightened in the first half of August, reaching a level comparable to the outburst of 1996 (see Raiteri et al. 1998, A&AS, 127, 445), and it appears now in a dimming phase. Some preliminary data are:

R = 16.37 +/- 0.02 on August 3, 2007 (Crimean Observatory);
R = 15.04 +/- 0.02 on August 15, 2007 (Crimean Observatory);
R = 15.52 +/- 0.05 on August 31, 2007 (Armenzano Observatory);
R = 15.85 +/- 0.05 on September 1, 2007 (Armenzano Observatory);
R = 15.87 +/- 0.05 on September 2, 2007 (Armenzano Observatory).