We have now started the database recovery and we will update everyone about the progress tomorrow via our social media accounts. While this is progressing, we have another look back at one of our earliest light curves. This week at the 7th post in the series, which was published (facebook page only) on February 18th, 2019.
Here is what we wrote about the light curve, back when it was first published:
Here we have the lightcurve of what looks like a irregularly pulsating (probably background giant) star in one of our fields. Nothing is known about the source – i.e. no entry in SIMBAD.
I have now re-checked the SIMBAD entry for the source, which is situated in the Elephant Trunk target area. It now has an entry in SIMBAD and it is a known variable star with the name ATO J324.1750+57.1802. It seems our assessment of the object was correct. The parallax of the source from Gaia is extremely small. Indeed the uncertainty is larger than the measurement. From the values listed, one can estimate that the source is at least 10kpc away and thus a very distant source. Hence, it is most likely a background giant star that pulsates. When the database is back online, we will have a look to see if and how the variations have evolved over time.