New member.. How do I start in AAVSO exoplanet work?

Fri, 10/15/2021 - 22:46

I am a new member; just joined today.  I would like to get involved in AAVSO's Exoplanet research.  Could you please give me some guidance as to what to do in chronological order, such as "Read these documents", "Get a mentor", "Learn these procedures and tools", etc.?  I am sure you have a lot of exoplanet resources available but I am not sure where to begin or in what order I should do things in order to become a fully participating member of AAVSO's exoplanet studies.  Thanks.

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Welcome aboard Ed!

I am not…

Welcome aboard Ed!

I am not an exoplanet observer, but may become one someday. It is very similar to doing stellar photometry, the main differences for me are 1) only one filter band used 2) you may continuously observe one star for hours instead of hopping around among many stars on a given night.

I think a very good starting point is here: https://www.aavso.org/exoplanet-section

I took the exoplanet course in 2020. It's only offered once per year, but I found it valuable. It got me comfortable with AstroimageJ analysis S/W. 

For further information on exoplanet observing in general, or on AAVSO's Exoplanet Section, please contact Dennis Conti, AAVSO's Exoplanet Section Chair, at dennis@astrodennis.com. 

Enjoy!

Peter