AAVSO: CCD Help

The goal of this page is to make it easier for CCD observers to submit large batches of observations. By using this form you do not need to convert to the AAVSO format. Once you go through this once we think you'll find it is a very quick and simple procedure.

HOW IT WORKS

First, log into WebObs and look for the CCD Batch Upload Tool about halfway down the main page.

Using the form, upload the file using your web browser. Then the program will ask you for information on the star's designation, name, comp star used, charts, filters, and any additional comments you may have. When you input that data the program will convert your observations and place them in the AAVSO database. You will be given a copy of the observations for your own records also.

One thing to look out for is differential mags. There is an option to tell the program that you are using differential mags. When you select this option it will add your estimate to the comp star value (so if the estimate begins with a minus sign it will effectively subtract it) to derive a true magnitude.

Formats

Generic 2-line
AIP4Win
CBA
MaximDL

AIP4WIN Format

This is a tab deliminated format with one observation per line. Here is an example:

Image          		 Date            Time            Exp.    CompPV  SkyPV   VarPV   VarDeltaMag     ChkPV   ChkDeltaMag     Julian Day
wzsge2smc001.fit        2001-07-27      20:38:43         2      1054    1828    1466    -0.358          3318    1.255           2452118.36023148
wzsge2smc002.fit        2001-07-27      20:38:53         2      1082    1811    1506    -0.359          3284    1.295           2452118.36034722

NOTE: the titles of the columns have changed in updates to AIP4Win software. This does not affect how the software works as WebObs can tell which version you are using.

NOTE for AIp4Win V2 Users: Batch upload of the ensemble output routine is currently not supported.

Generic Format

This is a format that should be created easily by a spreadsheet program. It looks like this:

JD            Mag    Error
2451234.1234  12.3   0.06
2451234.1244  12.31  0.06
2451234.1251  12.351 0.091
2451234.1266  12.381 0.071

The JD must be the first column, the magnitude estimate the second column. They should be separated by tabs or spaces. The magnitude can be differential. The error column is optional but highly recommended, it makes your data much more useful to professionals.

CBA Format

This is a format that the Center For Backyard Astrophysics uses.

Truncated JD  Mag    Check
1234.1234    1.01   0.71
1234.1244    1.03   0.81
1234.1251    1.081  0.616
1234.1266    1.111  0.691

The first field is a JD that is truncated. In the CCD Batch Upload form is a place for you to tell us what to put at the front of the JD. For the above example, "2459" placed in that field will turn these JDs to 24591234.1234, 24591234.1244, etc.

The fields should be separated by one or more spaces or tabs. The second field is the differential magnitude and the third field is the check star data, which is optional.

MaximDL Format

This format is generated by the MaximDL program.

"T (JD)","Obj1","Ref1","Ref2","Ref3"
2452980.59509,7.658,11.576,11.898,10.772
2452980.59528,7.631,11.569,11.899,10.778
2452980.59549,7.666,11.579,11.890,10.777

The "Ref" stars are the comp stars used by MaximDL. The number of stars may change. The magnitude is rounded to the nearest hundredth upon submission.

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