Stupid question #1 Can I upload images of MU Cam taken with the Green filter ?

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 03/20/2023 - 02:37

I am new trying to find my way. I have ordered a set of Johnson-Cousin filters they will arrive in 4 weeks.

The images being taken tonight clearly contain MU Cam. They are three minutes in length. I hope to have about 40, calibrated, three minute exposures.

If it's appropriate for me to upload them? Should they be uploaded individually or as a combined master?

I have never uploaded any data with VPHOT.

Thanks

Steve

AAVSO Observer Code: HSTG

 

 

 

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
I would upload them…

I would upload them individually, then use VPhot to stack 2 or 3 at a time.

Peter

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Two Issues

Steve:

MU Cam is a cataclysmic variable (a DQ Her type). These variables often exhibit rapid/complicated fluctuations with small amplitude. Thus, it is generally appropriate to collect images at a fast cadence and report them individually. In fact, a DQ Her type often is imaged at a cadence as short as 20-30 sec. Of course, you want to collect sufficient flux to provide a reasonable signal to noise ratio (SNR>20). This is an exception to the general rule of getting an SNR>100 for most variables. You have 180 sec images, so submit them all individually. Ideally, you would use a faster cadence but MU Cam is quite faint (15). BTW, what was your SNR?

You also used an astrophotography filter (Green) rather than a photometric filter (e.g., V). It should be reported in your AAVSO AEFF Report as a TG (tri-color green) filter/magnitude. Read both the CCD Observers Guide and the DSLR Guide to enhance your knowledge.

HTH, Ken