New determination of the absolute proper motion of the variable star U Aqr

A new value for the absolute proper motion of the R CrB type variable star U Aqr has been derived on the basis of meridian and (mainly) photographic positions from various sources. The only previous determination was obtained in 1921, and leads to an exceedingly large space motion when combined with the rather high radial velocity of the star and any reasonable value for its luminosity, thus casting some doubt upon its reality. The new determination is based on a time interval of over 77 years (as compared to 12 years for the previous value), and aside from the improved precision it gives a quite smaller amount for the space velocity which may be considered to be reasonable for a halo object. The complete version of this work will be published elsewhere.Asociación Argentina de Astronomí