SAO RAS Observations of current brightening of [HB89] 0234+285 blazar
ATel #12111; V. V. Vlasyuk, A. S. Moskvitin, O. I. Spiridonova (all - SAO RAS), V. S.Bychkova (ACS FIAN, Moscow)
on 14 Oct 2018; 11:44 UT
Credential Certification: Alexander Moskvitin (mosk@sao.ru)
Subjects: Optical, Blazar, Transient
Our latest observations carried out with the CCD photometer of 1-meter reflector of SAO RAS allow us to conclude about a new active phase of the blazar [hb89]0234+285 also known as the radio and gamma source (4C+28.07 and 3FGLJ0237.9+2848, respectively). Its last activity period in the IR range was noticed by Carrasco et al. (Atel #11261) in the last February.
All the data obtained in every night since October, 6 till October, 13 indicate the brightness of the source in the range between 14m.0 and 14m.5 in the R band. Usually, blazar's brightness is about 17m (R-band). The maximum brightness of [hb89]0234+285 was detected in October, 9 and even exceeded 14m (13.95m at MJD=58401.5868).
Hence, the source has increased its flux by a factor of 3 magnitudes with respect to its quiet state. We should note also that the blazar demonstrated the significant intra-day variability too: its flux changed within the 0m.25 range in course of our 3--4 hour studies on October, 9 and 11, respectively.
Latest measurements have showed that [hb89]0234+285 has become fainter---now its flux is decreasing to R=14m.7.
All the magnitudes were calibrated using standard stars from the PG0220+132 field of Landolt (1992, AJ 104, p.340). We shall continue studying the source in following nights. Also, multi-wavelength follow-up is warmly encouraged.