The variability of RR Tel

Photometric measurements of RR Tel performed at ESO are discussed. RR Tel is a galactic nova which has been associated with a sole outburst, observed in 1944. The photometric observations were made in the ubvy system in August 1981, when a strong brightening was detected in V. IUE data subjected to a Fourier analysis indicate that the object has a period within 5 days of 395 days. Measurements of brightening of the J component also yield a period of 390 days. The presence of a Mira variable is considered, noting the supporting evidence from H2O and TiO spectral bands, but equally the lack of IR data until after 1960. It is suggested that data from before 1944 indicate that modulated bursts of mass transfer and accompanying accretion events preceeded the outburst of the underlying binary star, which could be a link between dwarf novae, classical novae, and symbiotic stars.