Visual Observing: New Ideas for an Old Art? (Abstract)

Volume 43 number 1 (2015)

David Turner

St. Mary’s University, Department of Astronomy and Physics, 56 Shalimar Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4L8, Canada; turner@ap.smu.ca

Abstract

(Abstract only) New detectors have had a positive effect on the precision of observations by amateur observers, but often overlooked is the fact that new methodologies can also improve the precision of simple eye estimates. Described are a variety of techniques used successfully to make visual observing easier and more reliable than is sometimes the case. There are many variable stars for which such techniques could greatly improve the scientific value of the observations for astronomical analysis. Some are often too bright for standard photometric techniques.