A Variable Star Database for the iPhone/iPod Touch (Abstract)

Volume 39 number 1 (2011)

John N. Rachlin

260 Winter Street, Holliston, MA 01746; john@diatomsoftware.com

Mark G. McGettrick

260 Winter Street, Holliston, MA 01746; john@diatomsoftware.com

Abstract

(Abstract only) We present a database of variable stars for the iPhone / iPod Touch mobile platform. In the past 10 years, astronomical and biomedical research has been transformed by the ubiquitous availability of data repositories, and the commensurate opportunities for statistical analysis and data-mining. In order to make such databases accessible to mobile users, we have developed an application framework that allows us to “mobilize” datasets onto the Apple iOS platform. This framework includes the ability to query the data, sort results, and view the details of individual records. For astronomical applications, we have also developed specific extensions to support object visibility based on the observer’s geographical location and date/time. We demonstrate the platform using the International Variable Star Index (VSX) database.