PhasPlot

PhasPlot is a Windows-based tool for plotting phase diagrams of variable star data. The user interface is designed to make it easy to test different periods on a star.

PhasPlot is designed to work with data from the AAVSO International Database downloaded via the official form to download data without any reformatting of the data needed.

Along with MagPlot and WinWWZ, PhasPlot is a part of a complete breakfast.

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

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 column format (JD estimate)
• Preview screen allows you to choose a period to test by just clicking on two points in the light curve.
• Periods can be tested by just clicking on one of two arrows that automatically adjusts the period plotted by an increment you get to determine. For example, you can set the increment to 1 day and test periods of 300, 301, 302... by just clicking one button.
• Different CCD and PEP filters are plotted in different colors, which are customizable.
• Averging with error bars
• Can export all results (including averaging and error bars) to text file

Uses:

• Quick way to search for periods in stars that have lots of observations
• Look for fine structure in a light curve such as double peaks and sawtooth decays
• Do historical research on stars with data going back 90 years
• Evaluate data which can be loaded into TS or WinWWZ to look for periods and changes in periods.
• Whatever more your mind can come up with...

Acknowledgements: The AAVSO would like to thank Len Abbey for developing this software.

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