visual observing

RS Puppis as imaged with the ESO NTT (from Kervella et al. 2008)

Nova Hunter's Handbook

Search Area Location Chart

The American Association of Variable Star Observers
Nova Search Section
Search Area Location Chart

Search area location charts will help you organize your nova search observing program. Each area is numbered and represents an area of the Milky Way whose dimensions are approximately 10 degrees of declination by one hour of right ascension. Use these charts to document areas of the heavens you are searching.

Nova Hunter's Handbook

The following article is a reprint from the Journal of the AAVSO, Vol. 7, No. 2. We acknowledge and thank the editor of the Journal of the AAVSO for graciously allowing us to reprint this article for the benefit of our observers and readers.

Peter L. Collins
Mt. Hopkins Observatory
Tucson, AZ 85721

Abstract

Nova Hunter's Handbook

The following article is a reprint from the Journal of the AAVSO, Vol. 10, No. 1, 25, 1981. We acknowledge and thank the editor of the Journal of the AAVSO for graciously allowing us to reprint this article for the benefit of our observers and readers. Kenneth C. Beckmann
201 West Springfield
Union, Missouri 63084

Abstract

A Newsletter for those who wish to discover a nova

1994

Editor:Reverend K.C. Beckmann
Lewiston, Michigan
Volume 1, Number 1

Excerpts From AAVSO Newsletter Number 10, January 1993.

AAVSO Nova Search Observing Program

For more information on novae searching, please contact Committee Chairperson Kenneth C. Beckmann, kennethbeckmann@yahoo.com.

A number of papers have been written discussing visual magnitude estimates in comparison to photometry.  Multiple studies have shown that visual magnitude estimates compare very favorably with instrumental photometry in terms of sensitivity and consistency.  As with all data, care must be taken to understand what visual magnitude estimates represent, what their bandpass is, and when their use is appropriate.

Atmospheric Seeing Conditions

Contributed by Tom Fleming (FLET)

Reports and observations submitted to the AAVSO use the following ratings for atmospheric turbulence (Seeing): Poor, Fair, Good and Excellent.