Variable Stars
Variable Stars Group
The Variable Stars Group is a Special Interest Group undertaking citizen science projects with people around the world.
Variable star observations can be made visually, with binoculars, a small telescope, or using imaging equipment similar to that used by Astro-Imaging Group members.
Citizen Science from Home
Serious science observations can be taken from suburban back yards using fairly basic equipment, and can be used by researchers around the world.
International Links
The ASSA Variable Stars Group has close links with the American Association of Variable Star Observers (http://www.aavso.org) (AAVSO), the primary international organisation for variable star observers and data analysts.
The group also has close links with Variable Stars South (http://www.variablestarssouth.org) (VSS), which is affiliated with the AAVSO. Both promote variable star research in the southern hemisphere. VSS has a specialist Eclipsing Binaries Section that prepares a research report annually.
Example Observation
Data from observations is presented in graphical form like this phase plot from an eclipsing binary, clearly showing the occultations of the two O class stars in TU Musca (data from Robert Jenkins).
Meetings, Chat and Training
The ASSA group does not meet face-to-face. Members are encouraged to discuss variable-star observing on ASSA-Chat, or contact the Variables email address.
Training sessions on observing variable stars have been organised by ASSA in the past and, if demand is sufficient, could be held in the future.
The Variable Star Group has given talks to ASSA General Meetings, schools and interested organisations in South Australia and interstate.
Further Information
More information is available on observing variable stars, classifying variable stars, comet discoveries by variable star observers and the location of resources at this site.
Point of contact
| Name | David Benn |
|---|---|
| variables@assa.org.au | |
| Phone | Not currently listed |