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05 September 2003

AAVSO: 100 Years of Enabling Amateur Science in Astronomy

by Chuck Pullen
American Association of Variable Star Observers
Coyote Hill Observatory

This page links to a PowerPoint file of the presentation given at the Second Annual Citizen Science Conference, in Pasadena, California, July 2003.

The American Association of Variable Star Observers has a near 100-year history of facilitating and enabling amateur science in astronomy. From our early alliance with the Harvard College Observatory and its long term Director H. Pickering, to our latest Gamma Ray Burster Network program in coordination with NASA, AAVSO provides cutting edge support to amateur and professional astronomers. AAVSO services include standard photometric sequences for visual and instrumental observers for over 4,000 objects, training and mentoring, standard observing practices, online discourse via discussion groups, and the service of approximately 12 full time staff at our headquarters in Cambridge, MA. Our database contains over 11 million observations, and will soon be completely available on-line to professional and amateur astronomers.

This presentation will discuss the general science of variable star astrophysics, how amateurs can make these measurements, and highlight some of the contribution our members have made in amateur and professional partnerships.

Click here to download a PowerPoint version of his presentation (1.45 MB).