The Australian Variable Star Hunt

Presenter(s): Mike Thompson, Jacinta Lee Den Besten

Affiliation(s): Backyard AstroScience, Melbourne University, ASV, iTelescope

Session details: Saturday, 2016-03-26 03:30:00, LT106

Abstract

Backyard AstroScience is working with Melbourne University and the ASV to coordinate teams of novice astronomers hunting for variable stars in the southern skies. The teams initially come from Melbourne University’s Telescopes-in-Schools programme and the ASV’s Junior Section. Each team is provided with easy-to-follow instructions and support to get started with using their own ‘scopes to capture, analyse and share photometric data. Teams can also use iTelescope and VPHOT (AAVSO) to refine their observations and zero-in on candidate stars. This presentation provides an update on our progress and challenges new teams to get involved.

Biography

Mike Thompson has been a keen amateur astronomer for the last 20 years and has used his knowledge and experience to develop astronomy projects that build practical skills and open up the field of astronomy to the general public. https://www.backyardastroscience.com.au

Jacinta den Besten BSc(Hons) Physics is the Laby Teaching and Outreach Fellow for the School of Physics at The University of Melbourne, and Coordinator of the Telescopes in Schools Program. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in a range of educational institutions and levels on top of her Physics research at Melbourne. http://telescopesinschools.wordpress.com and Twitter @scopesin Schools