choice

The following is a list and brief description of courses currently offered in the CHOICE curriculum. 

CHOICE Course Descriptions

Visual Observing Basics

This course will use the AAVSO Visual Observing Manual as its primary text. We will cover variable stars, basic equipment, how to make observations and submit data, plotting VSO charts, planning an observing session and many other topics. This course is highly recommended for anyone just starting out in visual VSOing.

We are pleased to announce the return of many of your favorite CHOICE courses this year. 

The tentative schedule is listed below. Click on the course name to read its description. Dates and classes may change due to availability of instructors for the courses.

The Fall Schedule of CHOICE courses has been set. Most courses are available to AAVSO members AND the general public.  Class size is limited to 15 people, so sign up as soon as you can to save a seat.​ Registrations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are handled through our online store. The fee for AAVSO members is $30.00. Non-members pay $50.00.

How To Use VPHOT (August 11-September 5) Class Full- Registration Closed 

We are pleased to announce the first course in the CHOICE fall schedule, 'How To Use VPhot' is now open for registration. 

How To Use VPhot (August 11- September 5) Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for three CHOICE courses being offered this spring.

CHOICE: How To Use VPHOT (March 17 - April 11)

CHOICE: Variable Star Classification and Light Curves (April 14 - May 9)

CHOICE: How To Use VStar (May 12 - June 6)

Courses are $30 for members and $50 for non-members.
(The VPHOT course is open to members only.)

Our two new CHOICE courses begin today. There is still time to register just under the wire! 

"Visual Observing Basics" and "CCD Photometry, Part One" will both will run March 18 through April 12, 2013.  Visit the CHOICE homepage for more details and the registration link!

The AAVSO is rebuilding its CCD Observing Manual from the ground up, including a change of title: the Guide to CCD Photometry.  This semester we're teaching the introductory material for the guide to explain why you do photometry, as well as material on CCD calibration procedures to take your raw images and ready them for photometry.

This course will cover most of the technical material in "CCD Image Calibration".  Members who have successfully taken the Image Calibration course will be ready for Part Two of this course to be offered later this year.

This course will use the newly revised AAVSO Visual Observing Manual as its primary text. We will cover variable stars, basic equipment, how to make observations and submit data, plotting VSO charts, planning an observing session and many other topics. This course is highly recommended for anyone just starting out in visual VSOing.