visual observing

Search Area Location Chart

Nova Hunter's Handbook

Search Area Location Chart

The American Association of Variable Star Observers
Nova Search Section
Search Area Location Chart

Search area location charts will help you organize your nova search observing program. Each area is numbered and represents an area of the Milky Way whose dimensions are approximately 10 degrees of declination by one hour of right ascension. Use these charts to document areas of the heavens you are searching.

 

Bibliography: visual magnitude estimates and photometry

A number of papers have been written discussing visual magnitude estimates in comparison to photometry.  Multiple studies have shown that visual magnitude estimates compare very favorably with instrumental photometry in terms of sensitivity and consistency.  As with all data, care must be taken to understand what visual magnitude estimates represent, what their bandpass is, and when their use is appropriate.