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Eyepiece Views: November, 2005
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THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS
25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Tel. 617-354-0484 Fax 617-354-0665
http://www.aavso.org
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E Y E P I E C E V I E W S #311
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November, 2005
Table of Contents
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1. Introduction
2. AAVSO Visual Observing Workshops, Fall 2005
3. Gene's Laws of Observing Variable Stars
4. The Fun of Eclipsing Binary Star Observing
5. Visual Observing From My Sea of Distractions
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1. INTRODUCTION - Changing Seasons
Fall again! The wonderful smell of freshly brewed coffee together with
soothing aroma of hot cider, crisp autumn weather with gorgeous skies for
even more extensive observing runs! While we are enjoying the beauties of
fall, our fellow observers in the southern hemisphere are starting to warm
up for more comfortable summer observing experiences.
As most of you know, fall means something else for the AAVSO, the annual
fall meeting. This year it was held in Newton, MA on October 14-15. As part
of the AAVSO Fall Meeting this year we conducted a Visual Observing
Workshop. We had two sessions; one was devoted to advanced techniques and
topics for visual observers while the other concentrated on topics for the
new observer and general astronomy public.
For "Meeting Highlights", please visit:
http://www.aavso.org/aavso/meetings/archivefall05.shtml
Our current issue is again full of intriguing articles. While the attendees
of the fall meeting were able to enjoy the visual observing workshop, people
who didn't attend the meeting didn't get the opportunity to appreciate the
various talks given during the workshop. In this issue and perhaps the next
one as well, you will get to enjoy the talks too! And from the speakers
themselves! Stay tuned for more articles of the workshop in our upcoming issue.
We wish you a very enjoyable season with the best dark, clear skies.
Thanks and good observing!
Gamze Menali, AAVSO Technical Assistant (MGQ)
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2. AAVSO VISUAL OBSERVING WORKSHOPS, FALL 2005 - Mike Simonsen
As part of the Fall Meeting of the AAVSO in 2005, two workshops for visual
observers were held. The workshop for advanced visual observers took place
on Friday morning, October 14th. On Saturday afternoon, October 15th, a
workshop for beginning observers and the general public was presented.
I would like to personally thank all the presenters, the AAVSO staff, and
Director for making these workshops possible. In the near future, all the
talks will be available online for those who were unable to attend, and as a
supplement to the many resources for visual observers available on the AAVSO
website.
The following is a brief summary of the excellent information that will be
made available from these workshops.
From the Advanced Visual Workshop:
The Value of Visual Observations- Elizabeth Waagen
Elizabeth made the case for the continued submission of visual observations
to the AAVSO International Database. Several fascinating, new research
results gleaned from visual data, such as superhumps detected in an outburst
of U Gem, were presented as evidence for the usefulness and integrity of the
visual observations in the database.
The Eye As Photometer- Michael Linnolt
Michael, a medical researcher and active variable star observer, presented a
very detailed talk on the medical and physiological aspects of how the eye
works at the cellular and chemical level. Also covered in great detail was
the interaction of the eye and brain. How these properties of the eye-brain
relationship affect visual observations was described. Considering the
extensive background information provided at the beginning of this talk,
more time should have been allotted for the discussion and conclusions.
Perhaps another talk to explain the conclusions in greater detail can be
made available in the future.
Calibrating Your Eyes to the V Magnitude Scale- Sebastian Otero
Sebastian, the discoverer of Delta Scorpius as a variable star and renowned
visual observer of bright variable stars, explained his techniques for
making observations of variables to the 0.01 level of precision. Making the
most of existing precision photometry and knowing the color indices of the
comparison stars in his own sequences is key to his success. One of the most
surprising aspects of his observing techniques is his preference for bright,
light polluted skies! Good news for observers in urban areas who think they
can't contribute to science due to light pollution.
Observing Faint Objects from the Heart of England- Gary Poyner
Gary's talk was not only excellent, but it was an AAVSO first. Gary spoke to
us live from Birmingham, England, while Aaron Price advanced the slides of
his PowerPoint presentation on cue from Gary. In spite of the potential for
technical glitches and disaster, this talk went off smoothly and is an
example of how future talks might be given, utilizing 21st century
technology. Gary first described the horribly light polluted skies he
observes from every day. Both the city-wide light pollution and local street
and security lighting were well demonstrated. Then the importance of quality
optics and the maintenance of your equipment were stressed. Finally, several
observing techniques for getting the most out of your telescope were
covered. Gary, England's most prolific observer, demonstrated that important
contributions to science, and observations of very faint objects, can be
made by dedicated observers, even from seriously light-polluted cities.
Clinton Ford, an Historical Perspective- Charles Scovil
Charles, the most influential person in the format and content of AAVSO
charts for the last 30 years, provided an historical perspective of Clinton
Ford's contribution to the AAVSO as an observer and chart maker. Much of the
information presented in this talk is available in the Clint Ford biography,
"Some Stars, Some Music", which Chaz made available to participants in the
workshop. Many of the anecdotes and personal insights into the personality
and contributions of this legendary AAVSO member/observer could only be
presented by someone with a personal knowledge and interaction with Clint.
Chaz did not disappoint.
Cataclysmic Variables for Visual Observers- Mike Simonsen
Mike's talk concentrated on the contributions that visual observers can make
to cataclysmic variable star research. The crux of the argument is that
visual monitoring of CVs is a numbers game. The more CVs one can observe
each night, the greater chances for success in detecting outbursts. Sources
for building an observing program were discussed, and discussions of which
stars represent "significant or noteworthy outbursts" were presented. The
AAVSO SNOBs program and the BAAVSS "Recurrent Objects Programme" were
presented as examples of lists of CVs of note.
From the Beginning Public Visual Workshop:
Leslie Peltier, an Historical Perspective- David Levy
David Levy, famous comet discoverer, variable star observer and noted
author, gave an inspired talk about Leslie Peltier. Peltier was also a comet
discoverer, variable star observer and author, so this talk was a natural
for David, who knew Peltier personally. David talked about the golden age of
visual observers, and the passion for the night sky, as evidenced in
Peltier's famous book, Starlight Nights. Another thing that Levy and Peltier
have in common is their love of astronomy and the ability to excite their
readership about observing and contributing to science. If you want to
understand the love of and motivation for visual observing, this talk should
make it clear, even to the uninitiated.
The Value of Visual Observations 2- Elizabeth Waagen
Elizabeth contributed again to the workshops and presented the case for
continued visual observations in a more basic format for the general public.
Her message rang out loud and clear, as it did in her first talk.
Binocular Observing of Variable Stars- David Williams
In spite of reservations expressed to me privately about his expertise,
David, the current President of AAVSO, did an outstanding job of explaining
the advantages and methods of observing variable stars with binoculars.
Basic information about the types, aperture, magnification and potential
targets for observation were presented in a logical and engaging format. He
also presented honest evaluation of different types of parallelogram mounts
available commercially. It was a great satisfaction to me to see that our
President is not only an expert observer, but an engaging speaker who can
reach out to the public at large.
Gene's Rules of Observing Variable Stars- Gene Hanson
I was fortunate to be mentored by Gene when I began observing, so I was
familiar with Gene's Rules and the logic and humor included in them. Many of
the subtleties of observing faint objects and the rules for not letting
‘bias' spoil the validity of your observations are highlights of this talk.
But, the real highlight is Gene himself, who is capable of inspiring the
newbie and reminding even the most hard-core of us why we observe variable
stars...because it is fun!
AAVSO Tools and Resources for Observers- Glenn Chapel
Glenn is a monthly columnist for Astronomy magazine and long time observer
for the AAVSO. His column highlights tips and advice for novice observers.
But, like the best jazz performances, the true experience is seeing Glenn do
his thing in the flesh, live. One of the live highlights of this talk was
Glenn posting an observation to WebObs on the AAVSO website, explaining how
it is done, and then later showing his observation posted in the Quick Look
data and the Light Curve Generator. Glenn's insight into how things used to
be and the way they are now, as regards submitting observations, and the
feedback and satisfaction gleaned, was very enlightening. His personal
style, humor and delivery will make this an AAVSO classic in the archives of
talks given by expert observers. Highly recommended to all, regardless your
expertise.
Life After Messier- Mike Simonsen
Simonsen began by outlining the typical progression, or evolution, of
amateur astronomers, from bright objects to the Messier catalog. An
alternative evolutionary track to chasing down ever fainter and more obscure
deep sky objects was presented. Mike showed there are numerous variables
that can be star-hopped to using some of the brighter, better known Messier
objects. The variables discussed were mostly easy to observe objects that
can be followed through their entire range of activity with a modest sized
telescope or binoculars.
Toward the Future- Arne Henden, AAVSO Director
Doctor Henden provided a closing talk about the potential for observers to
use robotic telescopes and data-mine existing data in the AAVSO
International Database and other data sources. Many of the future observers
of the AAVSO will not spend hours at the eyepiece in the cold of night, and
Dr. Henden demonstrated that there is a place for this 'next generation' of
observers in the future of AAVSO.
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3. GENE'S LAWS OF OBSERVING VARIABLE STARS - Gene Hanson
The so-called "laws" of observing variable stars came out of correspondence
with new observer Lance Shaw who had found my email and asked about his
first variable star observations made just the night before. Over the next
year and hundreds of emails and phone calls, I was essentially his mentor
and many of these "laws" came from problems he encountered. It was Lance
who coined them Gene's Laws and over time more were added as observing
problems presented themselves. Consequently, the list if probably far from
comprehensive. And for those of you disagreeing with some of these laws, be
advised these are more like "guidelines" than actual rules! ;-)
Rule 1: Report exactly what you see and don't worry about it, ever.
Variation: Report what you see, not what you think you should be seeing.
In Lance's very first email, he was very excited about his making his first
3 estimates in several hours and was very uncertain about them and wondered
if they any good? This was before the days when there was a quick-look file
so his best bet was to ask a more experienced observer.
Rule 2: Take extreme care when making the field and variable identification.
This is the number one cause for blowing an observation.
Rule 3: Bias is your enemy. Avoid it. (See rule 1)
Since bias may be impossible to avoid entirely, here are some tips. If
someone tells you where a star is at, assume they are either 1) lying 2) a
bad observer so their opinion is worthless, or 3) completely crazy (which
encompasses the entire VSOing community. Sometimes the bias is your own.
If you've observed a given star recently and can recall what the last
estimate was, that observation must have been made by your evil twin.
Therefore, you should assume 1) they were lying 2) they are a bad observer
(and you should know), or 3) you are obviously schizophrenic-- you are in
fact crazy!
Rule 4: You never know what a variable is going to do.
Corollary: You can never be certain where a variable is supposed to be an
any given time.
This rule should be added to the reasons why bias should be avoided.
Rule 5: Stars become easier to estimate (and accuracy therefore increases)
as the stars appear dimmer.
It is often said to only use as much optical aid as necessary to just
comfortable see the variable and the comparison stars. But there is too
much of a good thing. Accuracy will decrease if you get close to your
optical limit. To limit the apparent brightness, two techniques are to us
an aperture mask or the out-of-focus method.
Rule 6: Make every estimate as if you are the only observer in the world.
You may not have pretend, either! Since the number of VSOers worldwide is
so small, this is often the case! Another way of stating this would be:
Make every estimate as if you're the only observer looking at this star at
this time. You might add the following: Try to make estimates of stars that
no one else is observing.
Rule 7: If a comparison star seems inconsistent, avoid using it if possible!
Rule 8: Take extreme care when estimating near a charts limit because of
misidentification trouble. If a higher letter chart is available, use it!
Rule 9: Avoid doing Miras in moonlight.
In fact it not a bad idea to avoid doing any type of variable in strong
moonlight if you are a beginner as it makes things like finding stars very
difficult and can lead to frustration. Starting a variable star program is
difficult enough!
Rule 10: Avoid prolonged stares at reddish stars.
Any new observer needs to try this just once to convince you how much a star
will brighten before your eyes.
Rule 11: Try for redundancy in recording.
Use double-date and julian date Use star name and designation Record your
estimate as a magnitude and a fraction. For example: 10.7 and 100|7|V|3|110
Rule 12: Record/report your observations like they mean something.
1) Because they do!!!!!
2) Double/triple check your reports before sending them to HQ.
3) Record all your observations.
4) Be consistent in your dates / times. If you decide to use local time (or
UT or GMAT), stick with it.
Rule 13: If you are uncertain about an estimate for any reason, put a colon
behind the estimate, explaining why you are uncertain, then see rule 1.
Okay, we'll readily admit that ALL observations are probably uncertain, but
it is obviously a matter of degree. Let's just say, more uncertainty than
usual.
Rule 14: You can learn a lot by understanding the AAVSO standard observer
uncertainty codes.
B sky is bright, twilight, light pollution, aurorae
F unconventional method (out of focus, visual photometer, etc.)
H haze, mist, fog
I identification of star is uncertain
J Hipparcos magnitudes used in sequence
K non AAVSO chart or sequence used;
L low in sky, horizon, trees, obstruction
M moon present or interferes
N Angle, position angle
R color comment (star is red, blue, etc.)
S comparison sequence comment or problem; extrapolation;
note: do not use for non AAVSO sequence
U clouds
V faint star, glimpse, near limit
W weather (includes wind), poor seeing in general
Y activity in star outburst, fading, flare, unusual behavior
Z possibly erroneous, doubtful, observer fatigue
O "other" comment MUST be explained in Explanation field
also use the "O" code if you wish to enter one of the following expanded
multi letter codes:
Rule 15: Whenever possible, use a standard chart with a standard sequence.
A AAVSO Atlas
G Guide Star Catalogue magnitudes used in sequence
J Hipparcos magnitudes used in sequence
K non AAVSO chart or sequence used
T TYCHO magnitudes used in sequence
As I stated up front, the list is far from complete. If there was just one
more I add for the beginning variable star observer, it would be, "Get a
mentor!"
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4. THE FUN OF ECLIPSING BINARY STAR OBSERVING - Chris Stephan
I have been observing variable stars since March of 1973. Long period and
semi-regular stars are nice to fall back on, but the fun ones to me are
eclipsing binary stars. All the action takes place in a matter of hours,
instead of weeks to months. I can use one telescope, or all three of my
telescopes during an observing run. If I see three or more stars predicted
to be in eclipse during the same time period, I bring out my portable
telscopes and set them up near my permanantly mounted 14.25" reflecting
telescope. I can set a telescope on a star, and then make the rounds around
the telescopes, making an observation every ten minutes per star.
My portable telescopes are a 10" Dobsonian reflector, and a 4.7" refractor.
I also have 10X50 and 15X70 binoculars available for brighter stars, such as
RZ Cas, W UMa, or R CMa. I keep all my eclipsing binary star charts in
seperate notebooks, and the reversed charts for my refractor in another
notebook. I have all the AAVSO eclipsing binary charts printed off, along
with many others that I have accumulated over the years on projects with
Marv Baldwin and others. AAVSO Headquarters publishes predictions for
eclipsing binary stars each year. A really like the predictions on the
Milwaukee Astronomical Society web site, which covers many more stars than
on the AAVSO predictions.
I try to observe stars that go through their entire eclipse in three to four
hours. There are many of these, and they a very convenient for an observing
session. I observe a mixture of the three types of eclipsers; the Algol
type, the W UMa type, and the Beta Lyr type.
I am strictly a visual observer, and there are lots of stars for me to
observe. The ccd folks have a great number of stars to observe, also. Many
of these are dimmer, or have a much smaller magnitude range.
Some of my favorite stars are: OO AQl, EG Cep, ZZ Cyg, ER Ori, YY Eri, X
Tri, V Tri, RZ Cas, SW Lac, and AZ Vir. These are easy to find, and give
nice light curves. One of the funnest ones is X Tri. It is quite fast and
when it goes into eclipse, you know it immediately. It goes down to minimum
in 1- 1.5 hours and immediately comes back up. It shows a beautiful "V"
shaped light curve.
RZ Cas is another one. It is a binocular star, and ranges from about 6.3
magnitude to 7.8 magnitude. It takes about 4 hours to go through an eclipse
and give a nicely shaped light curve.
Another advantage with eclipsing binary star observing is that you can
really add to your number of magnitude estimates quickly, not that that
should be your main focus. If I am doing 4 stars in one night, and make and
estimate of each every 10 minutes, and make about 20 estimates for each, I
can get approximately 80 estimates or in a 3 to 4 hour period. That adds up.
I am actually surprised that more visual observers do not observe eclipsing
binary stars. Actually, the number of AAVSO observers who concentrate on
these is fairly small. We could really use more eclipser observers. If you
are interested, contact Marv Baldwin, the chairman of the Eclipsing Binary
Star Committee. I'd like to really encourage more of you visual observers to
try your hand at eclipsing binary stars. I think you wil find them quite
enjoyable.
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5. VISUAL OBSERVING FROM MY SEA OF DISTRACTIONS - Dan Taylor
The clock will not be denied as the minutes remaining are passing rapidly,
and one last observation is quickly sought out. An owl hoots in the
distance, offering yet another gentle reminder that observing time in my
bucolic haven must end. As a night shift toolmaker, at a local auto plant,
my hour of curfew is 10 pm. With haste the eyepieces, charts, pens, and all
the substance of a typical observing session are stored, ready for the next
outing. The scope too must be ready for the next foray under clear skies.
The twenty inch dob commands patience as it is rolled into its hut, sheathed
in weather coated aspenite, some may dare to compare this monolith to an
outhouse of Bunyan proportions.
Kahlil Gibran in 'The Prophet' dictated that a house is your outer skin
"... your larger body"; I like to think that my scope is nothing more than an
augmentation of my eyes. A tool, dedicated to serving to sate the curiosity
of this observer.
Most must find their observing program a source of supreme enjoyment,
unencumbered with mean intrusions and perhaps with the lofty goal of being
unshackled from the mundane. Moreover, by relishing the unfurling of each
facet in their routine, freedom for a time is won from the conventions of
daily life. So how did I come to embrace and endure this needful and
decidedly non tranquil end of session dash? It is part of my story and how
in this instance, variable star observing is accomplished and peace is made
with my daily ritual.
As a young married couple in the mid eighties, Carol my wife, and I secured
a home in a pleasant section of Windsor Ontario Canada. As we all know urban
observing sets its own limitations. It is ruled chiefly by the veil of urban
gossamer set aloft by light pollution. Then, as an active observer with
honkin' huge Coulter Odyssey, (a thirteen incher, some may recall) cannot
subsist on deep sky dross in such an environment. Alternatives were
examined. Planets are great urban quests, yet if only they could be counted
on to be convenient. Double stars were pondered in vain too.
Now about this time, that is January 1987, S&T printed their quasi-periodic
homage to Mira. With interest roused, I followed the article's formula for
observing this star. In short order I held in my hands, before my eyes the
exasperating and highly contagion results in just a few weeks of observing.
The darn thing was alive! It was at that moment I caught something, and
have enjoyed every minute suffering it since. It would be most accurate to
say that my involvement in variable stars came about due to the confines of
urban living.
Some of my most pleasant hours doing variables took place in the Walkerville
back yard. Occasionally, I would stretch the night till three am, content in
the serenity of the sky overhead collecting typically perhaps a dozen
observations. In all the years there I don't believe more than fifteen
observation were seen in one session. Urban living however, has its limits
for the variable star observer and that was something that was eventually
going to be reconciled with.
This curious illness took on many troubling aspects. As a fever should be
fed, I fed it a new scope. Brashly, it was patterned after a 1989 magazine
article by a fellow named Dave Kreige, the primary, of the twenty inch
class, was purchased from Galaxy Optics, the tube assembly erected at home
with the aid of one of General Motor's most distracted toolmakers.
Every urban astronomer pines after rural observing, and as a moment apart
from the usual drudge, the spangle of new and unrecognizable star patterns
is beheld as a coveted ideal. I was quite familiar with this aspect of
rural life; both Mom and Dad grew up on the farm, most of my family still
lives there. As a youth I would tote my department store refractor to my
grandparent's farm and observe and make notes from the wonderful skies they
lived under. Carol was entirely a product of the city. However, given time,
and through an inexplicable process, the notion of country living gained
currency in both our lives.
It was our good fortune to find a home in the country some half hour out of
Windsor part way to renown birding sanctuary Point Pelee Ontario. This find
was not a simple labor though. Many years were spent searching for just the
right mix- old farm house for atmosphere and economy, room for gardening as
this is Carol's pursuit and one I most eagerly encouraged, and such
particulars as a mail box on the near side of the road. Fitting the bill was
not easy and I didn't mention one need I naturally harbored; freedom from
expansive sky glow. Carol understood. The search ended in 1993.
Of our 'farm home' many I'm sure thought of as a hovel, simultaneously
thinking we had set aside sane thinking. It did lack many modern
accoutrements, to say it was a throw back to olden times would be
reasonable. I will never forget our thoughts and sensations of our first
night in our hovel trying to gain sleep at the foot of an antiquated coal
oil heater. We were blind to that present and saw only the future. Today I
can say it has been worth every renovation trial. We in for a challenge of
the likes we had never experienced nor thought possible.
That slight strain on observing time became a tourniquet that at times
threatened to all but eliminate my sanity and astronomy time too. Oh yeah,
we were also blessed with two more children. I had changed employers about
the time we moved as I now helped Chrysler Motors tooling its minivan
operation. The time compression in our lives led me to take on the midnight
shift as it afforded the best route to keep my wits and survive demands in
our busy home. From that day to this, with a few respites, I have maintained
the midnight vigil from the steel girders of the mini van factory. Meanwhile
renovation labors would continue for another six or seven years. Indeed,
observing time was precious.
A variable star observer needs variables and ready access to them. For the
most, part naked eye and binocular variables were the necessary selections
on those dear nights. There was simply no time to roll out the scope,
besides I usually retained the residue of some home renovation gunk that
could readily contaminate the scope.
Each night, though with what time was available, I surveyed MY country
heavens overhead. Oh what inner peace is found when an ideal is witnessed in
the now. The skies were glorious, the Milky Way stretched across a shameful
length of sky. On those moisture free nights it nearly scraped the southern
horizon. The grand skies of my grandparents that I savored in my youth were
now mine. In reality, most assuredly, these skies fall well short of decent
dark skies, but even today occasional glimpses of sixth magnitude plus
stars can be seen.
Once we emerged from the gotta-be-done-to-survive phase of repairs, I found
more time for observing. This would evolve into the current state of my
observing program. The late nineties as many of you know, began the chart
revolution we are witnesses to today. Chaz kicked out some of the best
charts then seen using a computer to plot the fields. Incorporated on these
charts were some significantly deep comparison stars. Some were 15th
magnitude and better. I was curious just how faint I could see with this
twenty incher. So thus began a quest that I still pursue with fascination
today. The best I could do then was about fifteen five. There was much to
learn of yet untried methods that now allow me to reach deeper by almost a
magnitude or more.
I incorporate several techniques simultaneously when probing the limits of
scope and observing site. Some basic rules are of course in order. Well
rested, no booze, and plenty of liquids are essential. Obviously averted
vision is used. The highest magnification that is still comfortable is also
crucial. For most ordinary observations I use about 300x. Occasionally if a
star is suspected, perhaps just glimpsed at, I can confirm it with higher
power at 500x. The caveat here is usually seeing which often nullifies the
advantage of magnification. We all have a sweet spot on our retinas usually
located just a few field degrees to the left and below centre (for right
eye dominant observers). I submit to this need by placing the subject star
to the left hand side of the field if possible.
I find it is not just banking air that can ferret out a stellar glimpse but
it occurs DURING inhalation which I try to stretch for as many seconds as
possible. For open air visual observers, like me, the method that far and
away generates the most yield is a monk's hood which serves to shield out
all stray light.
For many years I was a variable star observing island unto myself. The sole
means of contact came through the mail in the form of 'Alert Notices'.
Although, I suppose conversely, the only scrap the AAVSO knew of me was the
string of monthly reports I mailed to them. Undoubtedly I was on the
receiving end of a bargain. The internet has sired a direct mercurial
descendant in the online 'Alert Notice' format. In this day of nearly
instant news it is quaint to think that we used to find out about variable
star events four or five days after it occurred. The most rewarding part of
being an AAVSO member today however, had to await the advent of two marvels:
the home computer and the internet.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of variable star observing is getting to
know fellow variable star observers. This is a natural consequence of the
wonder of the internet. Through it I have joined two AAVSO working groups,
the chartteam and the compstar data base team. I have discovered that chart
making is necessarily dynamic and shortly these two groups will meld into
one, a natural consequence and most appropriate. The work is most satisfying
and I would recommend it to anyone. But the tasks are only a small part,
getting to know and learn from these intelligent, intriguing people are the
very best parts. In addition, the folks at AAVSO HQ, have earned my most
sincere thanks for their conscientious, patient, and thorough handling of
the creative problems I have thrust upon them.
Tomorrow if it is clear, I will open up the shed, roll the scope out and
assemble all the necessary gear in preparation for another chance to visit
briefly with some old companions and continue the challenge of peeking in on
some yet unknown but welcome starry visitors. Then as I submit to the
needful duty, commence anew the cycle of my day.
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EYEPIECE Views is published bimonthly and when circumstances warrant
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Please send comments and suggestions to gamze@aavso.org.
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Good observing!
Gamze Menali,AAVSO Technical Assistant (MGQ)
Aaron Price, AAVSO Technical Assistant (PAH)
Mike Simonsen, AAVSO Observer (SXN)
Copyright 2002, American Association of Variable Star Observers
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THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VARIABLE STAR OBSERVERS
25 Birch Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Tel. 617-354-0484 Fax 617-354-0665
http://www.aavso.org
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