AAVSO Bright Star Monitor Update (Abstract)

Volume 48 number 1 (2020)

Ken Menzies

318A Potter Road, Framingham, MA 01701; kenmenstar@gmail.com

Mike Nicholas

address correspondence to Ken Menzies, 318A Potter Road, Framingham, MA 01701; kenmenstar@gmail.com

Abstract

(Abstract only) The purpose of the AAVSO Bright Star Monitor Section is to provide members with observational resources and encouragement to perform research, prepare scientific papers, and enhance their photometry skills. It supports the AAVSO Mission of global observing, promoting science research and public outreach. The AAVSO Bright Star Monitor (BSM)telescopes are a subset of the larger AAVSOnet network which are located at sites around the world. Each BSM site is equipped with a small refractor, a high grade astronomical camera (SBIG CCD / ZWO CMOS), and standard Astrodon photometric filters. They are operated robotically and are locally supported by AAVSO member volunteers. Each telescope can perform precise photometric measurements of the sky’s relatively bright stars, those in the range of 3 to 13 V magnitude. It is free to use by all AAVSO members.