Visual Observing Techniques (Abstract)

Volume 38 number 2 (2010)

Sebastian Otero

Abstract

(Abstract only) Obtaining high precision in visual observing takes more than just knowing the fractional method of brightness estimates. Different circumstances play an important—and even determining—role at the moment you make an estimate. This presentation lists several factors that need to be taken into account while making an observation: color of variable star and comparison stars, their brightnesses, sky background brightness, individual color sensitivity, right choice of the comparison stars and their position with respect to the variable are some of them. Different problems the observer may face with their respective possible solutions are also listed, along with some advice to improve the observer’s skills, supported by examples of the goals that can be achieved if you struggle to get the most out of your capabilities.