The Fall Schedule of CHOICE courses has been set. Most courses are available to AAVSO members AND the general public. Class size is limited to 15 people, so sign up as soon as you can to save a seat. Registrations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are handled through our online store. The fee for AAVSO members is $30.00. Non-members pay $50.00.
How To Use VPHOT (August 11-September 5) Class Full- Registration Closed
This course is designed to teach observers how to use VPHOT, the AAVSO’s cloud based photometry reduction software. You will learn how to upload and manage your image files, how to perform photometry on single images and time series, how to save your analyses and how to submit your results to the AAVSO. You do not have to own a CCD or have your own images. Sample images will be provided.
You must successfully complete exercises and weekly quizzes as well as a final examination to pass the course.
This course is only available to AAVSO members. If you would like to join the AAVSO click here.
Variable Star Classification and Light Curves (September 15-October 10) Class Full- Registration Closed
This course is an overview of the types of variable stars most commonly observed by AAVSO observers. We discuss the physical processes behind what makes each type variable and how this is demonstrated in their light curves. Variable star names and nomenclature are placed in a historical context to aid in understanding today’s classification scheme.
You must successfully complete weekly quizzes, a journal paper review and a final examination to pass the course.
NEW! DSLR Photometry (October 13-November 7) Class Full- Registration Closed
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.
This course is under development. More information will become available September - October, 2014.
How to use VSTAR (November 17-December 12) Class Full- Registration Closed
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.
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’ll learn how to create mean plots, phase plots, and perform simple period analysis.
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.
Click here to register for classes.
For more information on CHOICE click here.