Planning a Visual Observing Program (Abstract)

Volume 48 number 1 (2020)

Michael Cook

9 Laking Drive Newcastle, ON L1B 1M5, Canada; michael.cook@newcastleobservatory.ca

Abstract

(Abstract only) This “How-to Hour” presentation is designed to provide a discussion of principles, procedures, and skills that can be understood and utilized by amateurs to advance their practice of variable star photometry. It is presented by experienced observers who will describe the techniques needed to answer questions that all of us may ask and struggle with when advancing through our avocation. This presentation identifies and explains the fundamental principles of visual observing including: 1. How to select targets, 2. How to find them, 3. How to pick comparison stars, 4. How to compare targets and comparison stars, 5. How to measure with the eye, binoculars, telescope, and 6. How to report.