SunEntry is a data entry program for solar observers. It will help you to create reports and send them to our database where they will be used in the AAVSO American Relative Sunspot Program. The information you submit will also be used in the monthly Solar Bulletin.
Getting Started
Before you can use SunEntry, you must have an AAVSO website account and an AAVSO Observer code if you don't already have both. Here are instructions on how to get them:
To get a website username and password:
1. Go to https://www.aavso.org
2. Click on the "User login" button in the upper right corner of any page.
3. Select the "Create New Account" tab
This username and password is needed to log on to SunEntry
To request an AAVSO Observer code:
1. Log in to the AAVSO website (see above).
2. Click the "My Account" button in the upper right corner of any page.
3. Follow instructions to "Request observer code".
If you have never before submitted sunspot observations to the AAVSO Solar Section, please contact us (solar@aavso.org) to let us know that you that you intend to begin sending in observations. Your name and observer code will then be added to the sunspot observer's database. If you have sent in sunspot observations before, you do not need to do this step.
Download SunEntry
Enabling installation of SunEntry on Mac
If you are using a Mac, follow these instructions before you install SunEntry.
- Download and install the latest Java development software (JDK): https://www.java.com/en/
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After installing the JDK, you should see a new Java icon in your System Preferences. Click on it:
- Now go into the control settings, and open the "Security" tab.
- Add https://www.aavso.org to the Exception Site List.
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Set the security to "High" (not "Very High").
Now try to download and install SunEntry. If it doesn't work, you might need to return to the Java control settings and tweak some of the settings in the "Advanced" tab.
In order to run SunEntry, you need to have the Java Runtime Environment 1.8 or higher installed. SunEntry should run on any operating system that supports Java.
Note, Java Webstart has been deprecated so the installation process for SunEntry will change of January 31, 2024. On this date you must download a new version of SunEntry since the login process has changed, and the webstart application will no longer be supported.
Click here to get the latest version of SunEntry:
Unzip this and see the readme file for instructions.
Getting help
The first time your use SunEntry, please click the "Help" button in the menu bar and read both of the sub-menu items there: "SunEntry Help"describes how to use the program and "Observing Help" gives hints and tips on observing and how to report what you see.
If you have any problems using SunEntry, would like to report bugs, or just have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (aavso@aavso.org). If you are reporting a problem, please be specific and include as many details as you can about what happened.