AAVSO Bulletin 79 for 2016 published

AAVSO Bulletin 79 - Predicted Dates of Maxima and Minima for 381 Long Period Variables for 2016 is published and available on the AAVSO website. This publication covers the interval 1 January 2016 through 28 February 2017. All Bulletin-related materials may be found via the main Bulletin page.

The Bulletin is available in several forms: as a formatted .pdf file, as a .csv file suitable for spreadsheets, and via a custom Bulletin generator through which you may tailor the Bulletin to fit your observing location and preferences. Extrema for the double-maxima variables R Cen and R Nor are not included in the main Bulletin table but are presented on a separate page. Bulletin stars ordered by number of observations received in 2015 (from fewest to most) are given in a .csv file - use this file to see which stars are most in need of observation.

Please go to the Bulletin page and read the letter and introduction there before downloading the Bulletin itself. There is also information on how to use the Bulletin that is essential reading for first-time users.

The AAVSO Bulletin can help you plan your observing more efficiently so as to make the most of your valuable time. Please help keep the crucial light curves of these legacy LPVs going by observing as many of them as you can on a regular basis - about once every 10 days (not more frequently). Charts with comparison stars may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (VSP).

Many thanks and good observing!

Elizabeth Waagen, AAVSO HQ