2000 Jan 4: VSNet reports in the last few days that QY Per has brightened and exhibits 'superhumps'. QY Per is a UG [U Gem] dwarf nova ie close binary system with K/M dwarf or sub-giant plus white dwarf companion with surrounding accretion disk- normal mag ~20 risings briefly to 14.2 or brighter during rare outburst.
A 30m spectrum [3 co-added 10x1m exp] shows the star [real image] had faded slightly since Dec 29 compared with Denis Buczynski's image of that date. The spectrum is very weak and reveals little except that it is not an emission spectrum but any K/M type is not obvious either.
The 'slow irregular variable' [Lb] star V374 Per located via its IR excess south-following [Sf] QY Per on the electronic finder ie f/2 85mm lens + SX CCD.
