Making Charts for CCD Observing (Abstract)

Volume 29 number 2 (2001)

George Hawkins

AAVSO Headquarters 25 Birch Street Cambridge, MA 02138

Abstract

(Abstract only) Recently, a large number of charts for observing variable stars with CCDs were made at AAVSO headquarters using a new automatic chart making program written in the Interactive Data Language (IDL). Some of these charts were for interesting new stars added to the AAVSO’s CCD observing program, but many of the new charts were made to update poor photometric sequences on previously existing charts. I discuss the special requirements of charts for observing with CCDs and show how they differ from charts for visual observing. The features of the new automatic chart making program are discussed, as well as the guidelines for picking photometric comparison stars. There are many advantages to automating the chart making process, and the obstacles to doing this are discussed. I finish by highlighting recent CCD observations by AAVSO observers, and display how they compare to and complement visual observations.