CCD Observing Manual

This manual is a basic introduction and guide to using CCDs to make variable star estimates. The target audience is beginner to intermediate level CCD observers, although advanced CCD users who have not done any photometry will also find this helpful.

This document is a work in progress and always under revision. Please don't mirror it offline and check back often for changes and additions.

Here is a PDF format version of the manual. If you need the pdf viewer, you may download it for free from the adobe website.

Please send any feedback or suggestions to aavso@aavso.org

• What's New

1.0 Introduction        1.1. Target Audience        1.2. CCD vs. Visual Observing        1.3. Are You Ready? (Prerequisites)        1.4. Expectations        1.5. Why CCDs? 2.0 Equipment        2.1. Telescope        2.2. CCD camera        2.3. Filters        2.4. Computers & Software 3.0 CCD Camera Skills        3.1. Calibration Overview        3.2. Calibration Trifecta: Bias Frames        3.3. Calibration Trifecta: Dark Frames        3.4. Calibration Trifecta: Flat Frames        3.5. Finding the Field        3.6. Image Integration Style        3.7. Tricks of the Trade 4.0 Photometry        4.1. Introduction to Photometry        4.2. Differential        4.3. All-Sky        4.4. Transformation Coefficients        4.5. Pitfalls        4.6. Calculating Error        4.7. Bright Star Photometry 5.0 Observing Programs        5.1. Cataclysmic Variables        5.2. Long Period Variables        5.3. High Energy Network        5.4. Eclipsing Binaries        5.5. Low Amplitude Stars        5.6. Supernovae/Novae Patrols        5.7. BVRI Program        5.8. Variable Star Chart Calibration        5.9. Designing Your Own 6.0 Observing Techniques        6.1. Using Star Charts        6.2. Reporting Observations to the AAVSO        6.3. Using the MyNewsFlash System        6.4. Using the Alert Notice        6.5. Using CCD Views 7.0 More Information & Administrivia        7.1. Discussion Groups        7.2. Links        7.3. Publications & Papers

The images on this page are used with permission from MSB Software, Finger Lakes Instruments, and Nyrola Observatory. Click on image for links.

What's New

Aug 10, 2004: Updated the CCD charts, BVRI program and transformation coefficient sections.

Jan 28, 2004: The entire CCD Observing Manual has been inspected and updated where appropriate. Many links were updated or added and some grammar improved. The section on CCD Error underwent some further clarification and a new section on SNR was added along with a discussion of annuli. In addition, the new High Energy Network projects were added along with discussion about MyNewsFlash and the new Photometry Discussion Group.

Oct, 2003: Further discussion about calculation CCD error/uncertainty