AAVSO Blog

The AAVSO blog features astronomical stories of particular interest to variable star aficionados. Blog posts might cover breaking news, historical anniversaries, internal project updates, and other subjects germane to our membership. Feedback is welcome: write to our organization's inbox to have your say!

 


 

Director's Report for 2024-Q3


October 23, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

A T CrB update, new hire, and more news from the AAVSO.

 


 

Ford Observatory Destroyed by Fire


October 7, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

The facility succumbed to the flames almost 60 years after its dedication.

 


 

What to Do During the Eruption of T CrB

September 17, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

When the Blaze Star explodes, it will pay to be prepared. AAVSO is here to help.

 

AAVSO Logo
 

2024 Proposed Bylaw Revisions

September 13, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

At this year’s Annual Member Meeting, a series of bylaw revisions will be on the ballot. The blog post will help you understand the motivation for these changes and what specifically was modified.

"light curve of T CrB"
 

No, it didn’t erupt yet. How AAVSO is vetting T CrB data

September 10, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

Over the past two years, AAVSO observers have submitted more than 200,000 observations of the Blaze Star. Before going public, any claim of an eruption must be carefully validated.


 

Stellafane: 88 Years . . . and Counting

August 22, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

The distinctive pink clubhouse marks its hundredth birthday, and amateur telescope makers continue to flock to the grandfather of astronomy conventions.


 

New Forums, Chat, and Sign in with Google

August 21, 2024 | By Aru Bhoop

The AAVSO announces a modern, faster, and easier-to-use forum system, and a feature allowing users to quickly sign in to their existing AAVSO accounts using their Google account.

Director's Report for 2024-Q2

August 14, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

Staffing updates, the Sun's eventful quarter, our Annual Meeting, and progress toward the organization's strategic goals.

   

StarGlass and a DASCH of Data

July 23, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

An ambitious project to digitize much of Harvard’s collection of more than half a million astronomical photographic glass plates has reached a significant milestone.

   

App and Infrastructure Updates

June 14, 2024 | By Aru Bhoop

Over the past several months, the AAVSO has made significant infrastructure improvements. We are excited to roll these out to our users in the coming weeks.

   

The Latest from the SNEWS Campaign

June 13, 2024 | By Bert Pablo

Six months from its launch date, this ambitious observing campaign’s goal—to monitor 200 bright supernovae progenitors—is moving closer to reality.

   

Sunshine and Storms

June 12, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

One of the largest sunspot groups in recent history triggered the May 10 solar superstorm and aurora sightings worldwide.

   

The Jewel in the Crown

May 1, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

It’s been 78 years since T Coronae Borealis’ last outburst. Astronomers are gearing up for the Blaze Star’s next show.

   

Director's Report for 2024-Q1

April 20, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

Results of the 2024 annual fundraising campaign, progress towards our strategic goals, and the 2023 Annual Report.

   

Sun, Meet Moon

April 5, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

This month's total eclipse will be visible for millions of people.

   

Update on SNEWS Campaign

March 21, 2024 | By Tim Lyster

There are still stars to be claimed in this important citizen science project.

   

Director's Report for 2023-Q4

January 16, 2024 | By Brian Kloppenborg

Highlights from the AAVSO’s 112th Annual Meeting, an announcement regarding our 2024 Strategic Plan, and several important decisions from the Board of Directors.

   

Star Light, Star Bright

December 19, 2023 | By Tim Lyster & George Silvis

How backyard observers can help unlock the secrets of supernovae.

   

Cleaning Up VSD

November 16, 2023 | By Sebastián Otero & Tim Lyster

Inconsistencies in the WBVR catalog magnitudes adopted in the Variable Star Database were causing issues for our observers. A major clean-up was in order.

   
"Annual Meeting sign"

Director's Report for 2023-Q3

October 12, 2023 | By Brian Kloppenborg

In the third quarter, the staff are making the final preparations for the AAVSO’s 112th Annual Meeting, there's a new marketing hire, an audit of the organization's technical infrastructure, and the creation of a Strategic Plan Evaluation Working Group.

   

Shattering Shapley’s Universe

October 6, 2023 | By Tim Lyster

A century ago, Edwin Hubble’s photographic observations of a Cepheid variable settled the vexing question of the day: Our Milky Way is not the entire universe.

   

Director's Report for 2023-Q2

August 1, 2023 | By Brian Kloppenborg

Our executive director presents the results of our annual campaign, improvements to our technological infrastructure, two recent meetings that are helping define AAVSO’s scientific future, three science highlights, and a few events he attended.

   

Director's Report for 2023-Q1

May 2, 2023 | By Brian Kloppenborg

In this inaugural post of his director's report, Brian reflects on Sara Beck's departure, the annual campaign, the Data Quality Taskforce, AAVSO in the Sky Survey Era, and a collaboration with CHARA.