press release

Increase Astronomical Discoveries by Storing Your Spectroscopic Observations with AVSpec

A new database created by AAVSO enables amateur to experienced observers to record data from any variable object in the sky  

Cambridge, MA (October 23, 2019)A new era of variable star astronomy starts as the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) now welcomes spectra observations from the AAVSO community.

Journal of the AAVSO May Be Innovative Experience with New Editor, Nancy Morrison

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Sept. 26, 2019)—For the past ten years, under the guiding hand of Editor-in-Chief Professor John Percy (University of Toronto), the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (JAAVSO) has flourished. Starting October 1, 2019, the scholarly journal’s pages will see new Editor-in-Chief Professor Nancy Morrison (University of Toledo) at the keyboard implementing her vision.

AAVSO observers help solve a mystery about an important variable star

A group of astronomers led by Dr. James Miller-Jones of Curtin University and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research have published a revised distance to the famed variable star SS Cygni, solving a major mystery surrounding this star and its behavior.  Their work was made possible due to the dedication of dozens of observers worldwide who monitor SS Cygni and report their observations to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO).

SN 2011fe

Welcome to the AAVSO's special webpage devoted to SN 2011fe!

SN 2011fe is the brightest supernova as seen from Earth in nearly 20 years.  It's a rare event that astronomers around the world are excited about -- it's not only a beautiful spectacle, it may also teach us new things about supernovae and the universe that we live in.  Here you'll find information on what SN 2011fe is, why astronomers around the world are watching it, and most importantly, how you can make your own observations and help create a scientific record of this supernova!