CHOICE Courses Available in April and May

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Fri, 03/11/2016 - 19:28

Registration is now open for three CHOICE courses beginning in April and May.

CCD Photometry Part I (April 4-29)

This course will use the first half of the newly-released AAVSO Guide to CCD Photometry and will provide motivation and scientific background for doing photometry with a CCD.  Topics covered include system testing and basic image calibrations from bias and dark frame subtraction to flat fielding. Students will need their own image processing software, but images will be provided for those without their own equipment.

CCD Photometry Part II (May 2- 27)

This course will use the second half of the newly-released AAVSO Guide to CCD Photometry and will cover topics including optimal image photometry settings and techniques, transformation, and basic error estimation. We'll also discuss how to plan an observing run to optimize the scientific return of your observations. Part I of this course is not a prerequisite, but is very strongly encouraged for new CCD photometrists.  Image processing software is required, but images will be provided for those without their own equipment.

How to use VSTAR (May 2- 27)

This course is intended to provide participants with a systematic coverage of VStar's current functionality, an appreciation of the ways in which it can be extended, and how it can be used for variable star data visualization and analysis.

You’ll learn how to create mean plots, phase plots, and perform simple period analysis. This is not a course on statistics but relevant statistical concepts as they apply to the use of VStar will be introduced through reading and discussion.

You must successfully complete exercises and weekly quizzes as well as a final examination to pass the course.

VStar is written in the Java programming language, requiring at least version 1.6 to run on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and OpenSolaris.

Click here to register

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Last call for CHOICE: CCD part one

CHOICE: CCD Photometry Part One starts Monday, April 4. If you were thinking about registering for the course you only have a few more days.

This course will use the first half of the AAVSO Guide to CCD Photometry and will provide motivation and scientific background for doing photometry with a CCD.  Topics covered include system testing and basic image calibrations from bias and dark frame subtraction to flat fielding. Students will need their own image processing software, but images will be provided for those without their own equipment.

Register today!

Mike Simonsen
AAVSO