7 replies to this topic

[SeymoreStars]

Who operates the AAVSO telescope? 

Who manages data capture?

How are the function listed below accomplished?

What software is used?

 

For comparison here's the software used at home and the functions I perform.

 

Astro-Physics APCC mount control software for pointing and tracking the telescope

PHD2 - for Off Axis Guiding

SGP - Sequence Generator Pro for image capture, filter management, plate solving

SKYX pro - for initial focusing (@focus3)

AstroImageJ - for evaluating FWHM, SNR and Saturation

PlaneWave Interface 3 (PWI 3) - for various OTA functions

AstroImageJ - for post processing

[Tapio]

From what I have read/understood you make the proposal and then later get the data (if it's approved).
https://www.aavso.or...vsonet-proposal

Just checked that there's nearly 500 proposals.

I once made proposal but was declined because the target was already proposed.

Edited by Tapio, 28 February 2024 - 11:23 AM.

[Jamey L Jenkins]

I have several LPV's that I receive data on through AAVSOnet. For me this is to monitor stars that I cannot access from my backyard observatory because of trees or buildings, that kind of stuff. I still have a number of stars I follow and report data on throughout the year.

 

First, you must be a member of AAVSO, so the images acquired from the AAVSOnet telescopes can be uploaded to your VPhot account. Then you make a proposal, a simple form you fill out. It will be reviewed by the management team. I request observations of little observed stars to insure selection, and make it a worthwhile project for them and me. After the proposal is accepted, when the time is right, it will be allocated to an appropriate telescope...there are a number located in both hemispheres. Before long observations will appear in your VPhot account with a range of exposures in the requested filters. Communicate with the management team if the exposures are unuasable. If they are good, process the transformed photometry under the appropriate "telescope" and upload your results to the AAVSO database. Wait for the next set of observations to appear, remember those telescopes have to wait for clear skies just like you do.

 

Don't let the number of proposals scare you off...most are old and have expired.

 

Great way to learn photometry if you don't have the tools, and a great way to supplement your our observations (as I do) if you perform photometry at home.

[pbealo]

I use AAVSONet as well.

 

1) The "form" is short and online. I do mine in word, make sure its right, then copy and paste. I've attached one of my old ones.

 

2) The only times I've been turned down was when they were already providing images of that star to someone else. And that is rare.

 

3) Evaluation takes up to a week. These are volunteers after all. But often hear back in 2 or 3 days.

 

4) Except under very unusual circumstances you can't ask them to dwell on a star for hours of images. The scope goes to your star, make several images (up to 5min each) through each filter you chose, then goes on to the next star.

 

5) You get notified by email that you have data.

 

If you choose to go this route, PM me, I'd be happy to help make it all work for you.

 

Peter

BPEC

AAVSO Board member

Attached Files

•  BSM Proposal V730 CEP.docx   15.66KB   8 downloads

[SeymoreStars]

Okay so it would not be appropriate for Exoplanet work which requires 3 to 5 hour transits and 100's of images.

 

Thanks for all the replies!!

 

Steve

[Ed Wiley]

Correct, Steve. Long imaging runs are discouraged.

Ed

[pbealo]

But that's "just" today! We are exploring opportunities to allow exoplanet and similar observations in the future.

 

Peter

[SeymoreStars]

I am fortunate to have a private telescope at my disposal for Exoplanet work. I was curious how the AAVSO system worked.

 

Steve