[Aavso-photometry] Mentor Sought

[Derek C Breit]

Happy New Year!
 
Numerous times I have said I was interested in starting to do Photometry
with my portable 12" LX200 and an ST7. Since I do not have a yard or a
garage, this has not really worked out.. That brings us to PLAN B!
 
Now I have gained access to an observatory with a 0.5 meter Classic
Cassegrain that has been mostly unused for science for years. We are working
on it regularly, bringing it up to speed. The Scientist wishes to start
using it to do Science starting in two weeks... Gathering data is what I get
to do.. :-)
 
In the past, a few people here have explained to me about matching the
seeing to the pixels, testing linearity, etc. I am sure we wont be setup
perfectly, but we can be useful until we acquire a better camera, if need
be..
 
We are seeking a long term Mentor to assist us by email in our efforts to
EVENTUALLY return 0.01m or better precision photometry. Our overall goal is
light curves of Variables and Asteroids..
 
My current plan is to image M67 in V with the scope in the next couple
weeks.. Mainly because it is rising, where as NGC7990 is setting.
I have most of Arne's photometry for these, though not all the links work..
I would image at various exposures to try and get an idea of the linearity
(same camera as I own - ST 7 non "e" ABG).. If this is not a good plan yet,
I am all ears.. I am interested in testing and providing useful data at the
same time, working our way up the slope that is The Learning Curve..
 
We could do some standards to check our progress, or we could do stuff that
requires a large scope and is not being covered..
 
 It's an awfully big sky!. Please let me know if you can provide guidance. 
 
Derek - BXI