PKS 0537-441: optical monitoring
ATel #564; S. Covino (INAF/OAB), E. Pian (INAF/OATs), A. Treves, A. Dolcini, E. Molinari, G. Chincarini, F. M. Zerbi, M. Rodono', V. Testa, G. Tosti, F. Vitali, L. A. Antonelli, P. Conconi, G. Cutispoto, L. Nicastro, E. Palazzi, E. Meurs, P. Goldoni, on behalf of the REM/ROSS Team
on 12 Jul 2005; 10:33 UT
Credential Certification: Stefano Covino (covino@merate.mi.astro.it)
Subjects: Optical, Request for Observations, AGN, Transient
The REM 60cm robotic telescope located at La Silla, Chile, has observed the blazar PKS 0537-441 with the CCD camera and VRI filters on 2005 July 7.35, 9.35, 10.35, 11.35 UT.
A steady and achromatic increase in flux by almost 1.5 magnitudes is detected. The amplitude of the variation in such short time scale is remarkable, and if compared to the dramatic variability observed in December 2004 - March 2005 (Dolcini et al., submitted) suggests a long-term active state of the source.
We encourage further monitoring from other telescopes.
