[Aavso-photometry] Mentoring for your 0.5 meter Cass

[arne]

Derek C Breit wrote:

>>>As for a camera, that is an issue.. The observatory and I both own the
> 
> same camera, an ST 7.. Mine I am 99% sure is an ABG camera. It is possible
> the observatory's camera is an NABG model.. I am pretty convinced that I can
> learn the ropes with it, but will quickly reach the limits of the precision
> capable with this camera.. This is after rereading Tom Krajci's
> ST 7 Linearity Testing page.. 
> 
> So I posted this to the group to get an answer or two about whether to get
> "Astronomical Photometry" now or wait for an updated version (This might
> also be something we already have but have not found yet), and can an ST7
> ABG camera be used to do photometry to 0.01m or better??
> 
While progress continues to be made on the new book, you should consider
another book for your immediate needs.  Astronomical Photometry is good
for UBV photometry and shows you in complete examples the process of
differential photometry, extinction and all-sky photometry.  Many of
the more recent books do an excellent job of explaining CCD cameras and
how to calibrate them, but do not give good explanations of scientific
photometry.  So I can't recommend a single book right now, but many
combinations of texts will do the job.  The AIP Handbook should probably
be your starting point, and you should spend the cash to upgrade to
version 2.

I think I will take the time to place some book reviews online for
everyone - let's see if I can get this done in January (Yet Another
New Year's Resolution!).
Arne