Registration is now open for the remaining CHOICE courses to be offered in 2016. You can sign up by visiting the AAVSO Store.
September 5 - 30
CCD Photometry Part I
This course will use the first half of the AAVSO Guide to CCD
Photometry and will provide motivation and scientific background for
doing photometry with a CCD. Topics covered include system testing
and basic image calibrations from bias and dark frame subtraction to
flat fielding. Students will need their own image processing software,
and should have their own CCD/telescope ready to take calibration
frames.
September 5 - 30
How to use VSTAR
This course is intended to provide participants with a systematic
coverage of VStar's current functionality, an appreciation of the ways
in which it can be extended, and how it can be used for variable star
data visualization and analysis.
You’ll learn how to create mean plots, phase plots, and perform simple
period analysis. This is not a course on statistics but relevant
statistical concepts as they apply to the use of VStar will be
introduced through reading and discussion.
You must successfully complete exercises and weekly quizzes as well as
a final examination to pass the course.
VStar is written in the Java programming language, requiring at least
version 1.6 to run on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and OpenSolaris.
October 3 - 28
CCD Photometry Part 2
This course will use the second half of the AAVSO Guide to CCD
Photometry and will cover topics including optimal image photometry
settings and techniques, transformation, and basic error estimation.
We'll also discuss how to plan an observing run to optimize the
scientific return of your observations. Part I of this course is not a
prerequisite, but is very strongly encouraged for new CCD
photometrists. Students will need their own image processing
software, and should have their own CCD/telescope ready to take
science frames.
November 14 - December 9
DSLR Photometry
This course will utilize the new DSLR photometry manual as its guide.
This manual is a basic introduction and guide to using a DSLR camera
to make variable star observations. The target audience is first-time
beginner to intermediate level DSLR observers, although advanced
observers may find the content useful as well.
For more information on CHOICE see https://www.aavso.org/choice-astronomy