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Glossary | |
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In astronomy, amateur observers can contribute in different fields to help develop the science. Large telescopes of observatories equipped with most modern facilities are always busy with special investigation programs, and have no time to spare for regular observation of a vast number of celestial objects and to keep record of what is going on in such objects. Nor do they have time to search for "new" objects like comets, novae, or supernovae. The science of astronomy demands these works to be done for its proper development. Here the amateurs come forward to fill the gap. Though the amateurs have small instruments, the total number of observation hours spent by the amateurs put together far exceeds the total observation hours by all observatories.
Light curve source:AAVSO Variable star astronomy is one of the fields where amateurs worldwide are making important contributions. The theory of stellar evolution has been developed in general, but all the particulars are not well understood in their details. There are so many aspects waiting to be explained. Here lies the importance of variable star astronomy. Variable stars are the stars whose brightness vary with time. Different types of variable stars vary differently and the nature of variation depends upon the stage of evolution a star is in, its mass, composition, and also, the nature of interaction between the stars in a binary system which influences their life cycle. Accumulation of observational data on variable stars can provide important clues to understand the mechanism of stellar evolution. Therefore, variable star observation is a collective and long-term program. Amateurs have been doing this work for generations. On the other hand, there are short-term observational programs along with special observational runs by the professional astronomers. A large number of amateur astronomers can take part in variable star observation. There is a wrong idea prevalent that variable stars cannot be observed fruitfully without photoelectric or CCD photometry using a motor-driven telescope. Very small-amplitude variables need photometry. However, large amplitude ones are observed visually. More than 90% of the variable star observers on our earth observe visually. It is a gross mistake to underestimate the importance of visual observation. An amateur can take part in variable star observation just with a telescope, or even with a good pair of binoculars. This ensures participation by the largest number of amateurs in fruitful observations. No doubt, photometry has its own importance. Nevertheless, in India, to start with, emphasis should be laid on visual observation.
A few members of the Sky Watchers’ Association are experienced in visual observation of variable stars and can guide others. A number of observers, under the guidance of the Variable Star Division of the Association, are doing fruitful observations in the field of variable stars. The data collected are submitted to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), a leading organization in the world in the field of variable star astronomy. The data submitted by our observers are included in the international data base of the AAVSO and processed, along with the data received from different countries of the world, to generate light curves. A light curve depicts the pattern of variation of brightness with time. This data base of the AAVSO is a treasure house for professional astronomers working on variable stars. The AAVSO has given us permission to use the AAVSO Variable Star Charts and we follow the AAVSO method for estimating magnitude of variable stars. For beginners, we have selected a number of relatively brighter long-period (Mira-type) and semi-regular variables so that one can observe with a smaller telescope or even with a good pair of binoculars. Any person who has fair experience in sky observation with telescope or binoculars can start observing variable stars. We appeal
to all interested amateur astronomers to join hands with the Variable Star
Division of the Sky Watchers’ Association and develop variable star
observation further in India as a part of an international effort by
amateurs to serve the science of astronomy. For further inquiry regarding
the program or participation, please write to: ********************************** |
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