The popular CHOICE course, Variable Star Types and Light Curves, is being offered again and class starts next Monday. There are still seats available if you would like to sign up for this course.
The course is an overview of the types of variable stars most commonly observed by AAVSO observers. We discuss the physical processes behind what makes each type variable and how this is demonstrated in their light curves. Variable star names and nomenclature are placed in a historical context to aid in understanding today’s classification scheme.
We are also offering How to use VPHOT, which also begins Monday and runs for five weeks. There are still seats available if you would like to sign up for this course.
This course is designed to teach observers how to use VPHOT, the AAVSO’s cloud based photometry reduction software. You will learn how to upload and manage your image files, how to perform photometry on single images and time series, how to save your analyses and how to submit your results to the AAVSO. You do not have to own a CCD or have your own images. Sample images will be provided.
An extra week has been added to this course in order to add transformations to the curriculum.
You must successfully complete exercises and weekly quizzes as well as a final examination to pass the course.
This course is only available to AAVSO members. If you would like to join the AAVSO click here.
Mike Simonsen
AAVSO