MagPlot

MagPlot is a Windows-based tool for analysing light curves of variable stars or other time series data. It plots simple light curves which can be manipulated by the user and also performs some basic data analysis routines.

MagPlot is designed to work with data from the AAVSO International Database downloaded via the official form to download data.

Request data -> download data -> load data into Magplot!

Features:

• Loads data formatted in the official AAVSO format (no need to tweak data downloaded from the AAVSO)
• Also loads data formatted in a 2 or 3 column format (JD estimate (error))
• Light curves can be zoomed and cropped vertically and horizontally
• Users can flag their own data in a different color
• All GUI colors are customizable
• Averging with error bars and can export results to text file
• Polynomial fitting
• User can flag data points to be ignored and can export to text file

Uses:

• Learn the behavior of different types of variable stars
• Predict future behavior based on past light curves
• Do historical research on stars with data going back 90 years
• Plot your own data and see how it compares with other observers
• Evaluate data which can be loaded into TS or WWZ to look for periods and changes in periods. (Windows versions of TS and WWZ are coming soon!)
• Whatever more your mind can come up with...

Screen shots:

• Full screen showing Z Tau light curve with 10 day means and 2-sigma error bars
• Select Observation window
• Config screen

Acknowledgements: The AAVSO would like to thank Len Abbey for developing this software. The AAVSO also acknowledges with pleasure the American Astronomical Society's Small Research Grant program and in particular the Gaposhkin Fund for providing funding for development of this software.

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