Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 03/24/2014 - 19:26
Hi all,
I've been on the Photometry learning curve for a few months now and I'm reasonably pleased with the data that the 'scope, software, human combination are producing...however, I feel the time has come to look toward fine tuning my system .
I'm looking for a good book on learning Transformation Coefficients and/or anything that can assist the novice in improving data.
Any help appreciated.
Douglas.
Hi Douglas,
A lot is happening in the background that is preparing for this stage. There is currently no book that I'd recommend for doing transformation, except perhaps my older Henden/Kaitchuck book which contains information about how to do it for UBV. However, here are some of the things happening at HQ, related to transformation:
- We have selected a set of standard fields, such as M67, and are both analyzing existing data as well as taking new data to obtain the best set of photometry for each of the fields.
- VPHOT is being upgraded, providing a means of identifying stars in standard fields such as M67 and NGC7790. It then can output a file of extracted photometry for some program/spreadsheet to use in determining the coefficients. It's use of previously known coefficients will also be upgraded.
- We have a volunteer who is writing a program to determine the coefficients.
- We have a volunteer who is writing a program to take an Extended Format file and apply previously known coefficients to create a new Extended Format file, ready for submission.
- The CCD manual is being completely rewritten, and will have information about transforming your data.
- I will be giving a mini-workshop at SAS about transforming your data. If you are in the area, I highly recommend going to that workshop.
- I will be giving the CCD School again (August 4-8) where transformation will occupy the better part of one day.
- we probably won't do a CHOICE course on transformation itself, but will be creating a web page that has a writeup of my workshop, links to the programs and manuals listed above, and probably lists of the standard stars in text format for download. That will be released before SAS.
Arne
Arne,
Any chance the CCD School will be web broadcast?
Regards
Tony
Hi Tony,
It is possible that we could webcast the school, but if so, we would still have to charge the same amount as attending it locally. That would save your travel and lodging costs, but you would get an inferior experience. A lot of the value of the school is the one-on-one interaction with me and with fellow participants.
Arne
Thanks Arne,
Many thanks too for all those involved in this.
There's lot's of exciting developments there for those wanting to improve their data, I'm especially looking forward to the updated CCD manual.
Douglas.