Abstract
Techniques for observing variable stars are very similar to any other types of observing. We require the same tools, patience and dedication as any other field. However, it must be acknowledged that observing variable stars requires a few techniques that are quite different to normal observing methods and necessitate some measure of astronomical experience and background. Besides being able to estimate the magnitudes of stars to a high degree of accuracy, modern variable star observing also demands a knowledge of photometry, computing, reduction to light curves via online software, or making one’s own light curve by means of MS Excel or similar and a host of extra knowledge and methodologies that are part and parcel of modern astronomy.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Griffiths, M. (2018). Observing Techniques. In: Observer's Guide to Variable Stars. The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00904-5_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00904-5_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-00903-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-00904-5
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)