Observer's Guide to Variable Stars

This book serves as an introduction to stars whose brightness varies noticeably over time, called variable stars, for new amateur astronomers as well as a useful reference source for seasoned variable star observers. The study of variable stars has been a particularly popular area of research for amateurs for many years. The book begins by exploring the variety of variable stars that can be observed with commonly available astronomical telescopes and CCD photometry. Recent developments in CCD photometry, computer software, and telescopic equipment have allowed amateur astronomers to make significant contributions to the modern field of variable star research. This book provides readers with an accessible, thorough manual about variable stars that will help them prepare for their own observational studies. After helping the observer differentiate between variable star types, the author goes on to explain the skills needed to operate a telescope and other equipment, as well as how to couple filters to a CCD camera or digital SLR camera in order to photometrically record these celestial objects. Further, the book includes an observational guide to 50 objects for study, with finder charts and data about light curves for ease of identification, along with the stars' celestial coordinates, magnitudes, and other pertinent information.