Variable Star Observing

A
Subject: Variable Star Observing
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From: AM
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Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 20:27:48 -0500

Your equipment and schedule are just fine for variable stars. The
one point to appreciate is that you are NOT following a particular
star by yourself. You are contributing your assessments into a pool of
observations from hundreds of other astronomers. Thus, it really
doesn't matter when you observe a given star. The main exception is a
star that suddenly became active, like RS Ophiuchi right now.
You should start eith a low powr eyepiece to get familiar with the
field around the variable star. Make the assessment of magnitude with
that power if the variable is in sight. In general, make the
measurement with the lowest power that definitely shows the star.
From expereince and discussion with other astronomers, the
results are pretty consistently no matter what power you use, just so
long as the star is actually in sight.
The first place to go is the AAVSO website, www.aavso.org. There
you can download and print the charts for the variable stars you want.
These are absolutely nexessary for they have the magnitudes of the
comparison stars marked on them.
The charts come in different scales. the 'b' charts are for low
power scopes or large binoculars. The 'c' charts are for the usual
midsize scope at moderate power or when the star is really faint.
The data to collect and send to AAVSO can be sent via email in a
textfiel, provided you use the prescribed layout. This makes it easier
for AAVSO to process your data and meld it into the overall database.
Virtually all reports are sent electronicly rather than by snailmail.
The stars to choose are based on your atronomy interst, latitude
zone, hours of observing, starhopping skills. Few of the goto scopes
include varaible stars in their inventory of sights, but most allow
you to add your own objects.
I would hazard at first a mix of long-period and semi-regular
stars, a couple unpredictable stars like R Coronae and U Geminorum
and SS Cygni, a few delta Cephei stars (for precise timing of
minimma).
The trick is NOT to make as many assessments as possible, but to
make good observations consistently. And to have fun doing it.,

A I am considering adding some variable stars to my observing program. The
A question how do I go about selecting the proper stars for my equipment and
A circumstances.
A
A 1. Equipment, I have a 20 cm lx-90. So the selected stars shouldn't be
A too bright.
A
A 2. On average, I get out about once a week. Here in Iowa, the weather
A doesn't always cooperate. On top of that, I work a 3-3-4 12 hour work
A shift. I work two 3 day weeks in a row and then a four day work week.
A On the days I work, I am usually too tired to set up my equipment after
A work.
A
A So I should be following variables that only need checked on a weekly
A basis. I as of yet have not done any variable viewing, so I was thinking
A of limiting it to about a dozen stars to see how I enjoy it.
A
A Thx, Terry

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