STEP BY STEP

STEP 1

Make sure you have all your star charts printed out beforehand. You will need to make sure your eyes are dark adapted before you start observing, and this typically takes 20-30 minutes. Use a red light torch to preserve your night vision.

STEP 3

When you’ve selected your comparison stars and have identified the variable star, make the magnitude estimate by comparing their brightnesses. Do this several times and average the result to take out any bias to ensure as accurate an estimate as possible.

STEP 5

Once indoors, transfer all the information from Step 4 into a more permanent log book or a spreadsheet. It’s useful to keep a log with records for each star, so all the observations are in one place. If you keep it on a spreadsheet, keep your data backed up.

STEP 2

Locate your variable star. Use a star chart to make sure you have identified the comparison stars and the variable correctly – don’t be disheartened if this takes a while, especially if you’re not familiar with this part of the sky.

STEP 4

Record your estimate along with date, time (UT) and telescope. Record any conditions that affect your observing: for example, a bright Moon may influence your magnitude estimate. Mist or haze can also make stars appear fainter than they are.

STEP 6

Report your observations to the BAA and AAVSO; you can upload each individually or in bulk. By doing so you can provide valuable data and it is incredibly satisfying knowing you have made a real contribution to science.