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Observing Techniques

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Observer's Guide to Variable Stars

Part of the book series: The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series ((PATRICKMOORE))

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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.

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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

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