[Aavso-photometry] Starting up CCD Obs of Variable Stars

[Tom Richards]

Hi Greg

There is certainly more emphasis now on amateurs studying CVs at minima, as
this yields data uncontaminated by a hot disc. At the same time, there are
round-the-world collaborations on particular stars - some because they are
in outburst, others because organizing comprehensive coverage is a good idea
even when they are at minimum.

You might like to join in some of these collaborations, to try to get more
temporally complete data, just as with our programme on 21 Lutetia that
you're involved in.

The Center for Backyard Astrophysics http://cba.phys.columbia.edu/ runs
monthly collaborations on a northern and a southern hemisphere star, with
the aim of short-term publication. They certainly need more southern
observers. The AAVSO also issues alerts and requests. Both groups are
currently interested in GW Lib as a southern target. 

Cheers
Tom Richards

> -----Original Message-----
> From: aavso-photometry-bounces at mira.aavso.org [mailto:aavso-photometry-
> bounces at mira.aavso.org] On Behalf Of Greg Crawford
> Sent: Tuesday, 22 May 2007 15:30
> To: aavso-photometry at aavso.org
> Subject: [Aavso-photometry] Starting up CCD Obs of Variable Stars
> 
> After taking forever and a day to get ready for variable star obs, I think
> I am
> ready to begin. I thought I might start with the CCD observing program for
> faint
> CVs and LPVs. I chose a CV because I am reading about them in the book by
> ("the
> other") Brian Warner. I like to have some intellectual input to complement
> any
> obs I make so I have an understanding of the physics behind it.
> 
> Given my southerly latitude (-32), I thought I'd start with UU Aql. (I had
> given
> some thought to RX Cen, but the comment about sequence needing extension
> put me
> off for a first timer).
> 
> A few questions:
> 
> 1) UU Aql seems to be entered into the following table twice. I'm not sure
> if
> that is an error or conveys significant information. See here:
> http://www.aavso.org/observing/programs/ccd/ccdlpv.shtml#table
> 
> 2) How often should observations be made? I am used to tracking an
> asteroid
> throughout the night with continuous observations from 30 degrees altitude
> in
> the east to 30 degrees altitude in the west. Are obs of a CV handled in
> the same
> way?
> 
> 3) The program appears to only want obs through a V filter. After
> struggling
> with T/Cs, FOEs and ZPs for limited all-sky photometry for asteroids, I've
> discovered how easy variable star observers get it when they have a
> (secondary)
> standard field in the field of view. :-) (In MPO Canopus software, after
> measuring the images, a few clicks gives you standardized measures using
> the
> QuickMags method.) If I also have observations in B and R, should they be
> uploaded to WebObs as well?
> 
> 4) How do I get an observer code? Do I have to qualify in some way in the
> same
> way that minor planet observers must submit obs to the MPC?
> 
> Greg
> 
> 
> 
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