Uploaded December 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Originally broadcast Nov. 13, 2021. Dr. Turner presents first in this webinar, covering "The Value of Continuous Visual Observations of Variable Stars for How We Perceive the Universe (What I Learned about the Purkinje Effect from Cataract Surgery)."
Following, Dr. John Thorstensen (Dartmouth) reviews "Cataclysmic Variables in the Age of Surveys: What can we do?" He starts with the basics and emphasizes the extraordinary richness of their variability, which has made them favorite targets of AAVSO observers for over a century. He walkss through how we have developed a remarkably detailed picture of what CVs look like, and how they behave. Observations, including the remarkable AAVSO light curves, have been central to understanding what makes these stars tick---the observations have driven and guided the theory at every turn. Dr. Thorstensen then outlines the observational state of play, and in particular the revolutionary impact of high-quality, rapid-cadence surveys of the sky, such as ASAS-SN, CRTS, and most recently, the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). While these surveys render some traditional amateur observations redundant at best, they also create new opportunities. And the surveys, mighty as they are, have limitations that leave ample room for amateur contributions.
Check out AAVSO and how you can make a valuable contribution to science by visiting us at aavso.org
Originally broadcast Nov. 13, 2021. Dr. Turner presents first in this webinar, covering "The Value of Continuous Visual Observations of Variable Stars for How We Perceive the Universe (What I Learned about the Purkinje Effect from Cataract Surgery)."
Following, Dr. John Thorstensen (Dartmouth) reviews "Cataclysmic Variables in the Age of Surveys: What can we do?" He starts with the basics and emphasizes the extraordinary richness of their variability, which has made them favorite targets of AAVSO observers for over a century. He walkss through how we have developed a remarkably detailed picture of what CVs look like, and how they behave. Observations, including the remarkable AAVSO light curves, have been central to understanding what makes these stars tick---the observations have driven and guided the theory at every turn. Dr. Thorstensen then outlines the observational state of play, and in particular the revolutionary impact of high-quality, rapid-cadence surveys of the sky, such as ASAS-SN, CRTS, and most recently, the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). While these surveys render some traditional amateur observations redundant at best, they also create new opportunities. And the surveys, mighty as they are, have limitations that leave ample room for amateur contributions.
Check out AAVSO and how you can make a valuable contribution to science by visiting us at aavso.org
