CVs: Some
background
First European observation of a CV, Nova Vulpecula, were made in 1670 by a monk P้re Dom Anthelme (2nd magnitude)
Another nova, Nova Oph 1848 discovered by John Russell Hind
The first Dwarf Nova, U Gem, also discovered by J. R. Hind in 1855: noted that it was blue – most unusual for variable stars (mv~13.5); substantial body of observations accrued and early harmonic analyses (Whittaker
1911)
Next Dwarf Nova to be discovered was SS Cyg, in 1896, by Louisa Wells (Harvard College Plates)
by
Hevelius
Shara, Moffat & Webbink (1985)
credit: Warner (1995)
Shara, Moffat & Webbink (1985)