Objectives of the Campaign

Delta Scorpii is a binary, probably multiple, system. Its orbit is extremely eccentric (e~0.94) and its period is 10.6y. During the last periastron one of the stars initiated a decretion disc becoming a Be star. The objectives of this campaign are:

-determination of the exact date of the periastron

-study the possible interactions due to the stars' proximity

-get a better knowledge of the companion star

The campaign was launched during the ProAm spectroscopic stage at the OHP in Aug, 2010. I used the synergies of my group ConVento (see above), to initiate a campaign for the spectroscopic coverage of delta Scorpii periastron at Tenerife. IAC assigned us a 10 day run at the IAC80 telescope, centred in the periastron most probable date, from 28th June to 7th July. The PI is Anatoly Miroshnichenko and will be present at the OT together with another 6 amateur and professional astronomers. Tanks to this, a more intensive coverage during the event will take place. Of course, all spectra presented at BeSS database will be very important during the whole campaign, and del Sco must be observed as soon as possible in 2011. Photometric observations are needed as well. The campaign page can be found here.