RASNZ Variable Star Section

Observation Targets

A list of interesting targets to observe
A MeadeCCD Camera is available for loan to RASNZ members.
More Information		 VSS Contact Information About the RASNZ Variable Star Section
Southern CCD and Photometry Group Charts and CD's Newsletters

Contact Information

For all enquiries, requests for observations, charts, CD's or information from the database please contact the Variable Star Section co-ordinator Pauline Loader

Postal Address: 
14 Craigieburn Street, Darfield 7510, New Zealand. 

Charts and CD's Available

CD no 1: Introduction to Variable Star Observing

This CD contains an introduction to observing Variable Stars written by Alan Baldwin. This includes some suggested targets for novice observers also copies of charts, series 1 and 2. A pdf version of the booklet "The Observation of Variable Stars" by Dr Frank Bateson (this booklet is now out of print) is included. There is also an Introduction to the Southern CCD and Photometry Group by Stan Walker.

CD no 2: Project Snapshot CD

This Cd is a copy of "Project Snapshot" as produced by Mati Morel, who has been producing charts for the Variable Star Section for more than 20 years. This project is a survey of RASNZ charts (Series 1-26) conducted (a "snapshot") with the following aims :
1) to document positions, catalogue identifiers and V magnitudes for all comparison stars used/selected by visual observers. Standard V magnitudes are preferred, but other magnitudes which closely approximate standard V (eg ASAS-3) are also compiled.
2) to compile ASAS-3 V magnitudes for sequences which hitherto lacked reliable magnitudes.
3) to verify published positions of all bright or visually observable variables in each field.
This CD also contains the RASNZ charts Series 1-5. The first series has been completely redrawn.

To purchase either of these CD's please go to the RASNZ Sales page

Charts

An index of available charts will be placed on this web site shortly.

CD's are available free of charge to RASNZ members. For non-members there is a small charge of $5.00 per CD to cover the cost of the CD and postage. To obtain either of the above CD's or copies of the original charts please contact the Variable Star Section co-ordinator Pauline Loader

About the RASNZ Variable Star Section

The Variable Star Section exists to:

1. Act as a center for the coordination of Southern Hemisphere Variable Star observing and provide continuing encouragement and feedback to current and new observers.

2. Develop and maintain close contact with other organizations such as the AAVSO and the BAA-VSS particularly to ensure consistent observing methods and recording of data.

Background

The Variable Star Section of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand was formed in 1927 by Dr Frank Bateson, who directed the section until December 2004 when Dr Bateson retired after some 75 years of observing. During this time the section built up a large record of variable star observations. These are now stored in a database, and the results are made available to researchers requiring details of particular stars or groups of stars.

The membership of the section includes a number of visual and photometric observers based in New Zealand and Australia. Enquiries about the section or about obtaining records of observations should be directed to the co-ordinator Pauline Loader

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