AAVSO & Variable Star Astronomy

While I was imaging (1)Ceres a couple of weeks ago I "discovered" a "mystery object." I still have not been able to identify it. Below are details and images of this object for your thoughts. I'd appreciate any suggestions anyone might have.

While not exactly a variable star or variable star issue, folks here still have some expertise when it comes to things like this and let's face it: the group needed some traffic. :-)

( The Details & Images )
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. My issue is that this object appears to move as an asteroid and its FWHM appears gaussian so it shouldn't be a stray cosmic ray. However, at V=~14 its just too bright to have been missed, I would think.

Based on what you see here, should this be reported to the MPC?

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Rest In Peace, Friend Dorrit

[Apr. 10th, 2007|03:38 pm]

I have just been the recipient of extraordinary sad news.

Dr. Dorrit Hoffleit, Senior Research Astronomer for Yale University, Director Emeritus of the Maria Mitchell Observatory, author of the groundbreaking Yale Bright Star Catalog cataloging every naked eye star in the sky, and dear, dear friend of many in the American Association of Variable Star Observers where she was an officer for many years, died yesterday afternoon after a brief illness, at the age of 100 years and one month.

I had the great privilege of meeting and talking to Dr. Hoffleit a year or so ago. She signed her autobiography for me. Indeed, that autobiography is one of the inspirations and sources of the biographical project that I am now working on.

Sadly now, that project is now damaged. Dr. Hoffleit found and taught Dr. Janet Mattei, former Director of the AAVSO, and I intended to interview Dr. Hoffleit for the project. Now, of course, that will not be.

Dorrit was a pioneer in several senses of the word. She never slowed down and was still giving papers at the age of 99. I was fortunate to hear a couple of them presented.

One of the attractions of the Yale position for me two years ago was the thought that I might be supporting Dr. Hoffleit in some way.

Another bright light has faded from the world. This was not some shallow entertainer that CNN will write about and everyone will know. No, this was someone who significantly contributed to the quest for knowledge that makes being a human being worth it.

Dormu Pace, kara Dorrit.

Say "Hi" to Janet for all of us.

Galactic Center Exploding...

[Feb. 23rd, 2007|07:29 pm]

No, not really, but with two - count them, two - novas currently in outburst in Scorpius, it might seem that way.

While Antares transits around 0630L at this point in time, getting up early may be worth it.

A chart for the very bright V1280 Sco Nova can be found here. Having reached a peak of ~3.6mag, as of this writing its magnitude has fell to ~5.

V1281 Sco erupted a few days later on the 19th. Its discovery magnitude was rated around 9.3.

Catch these novas while you can, especially if you're an early bird! :-)

Yes, They're That Good!

[Feb. 2nd, 2007|04:29 pm]

The IT Department of the AAVSO has already gotten those all important servers moved to the new headquarters at 40 Bay State Road, DNS's propagated, running, and available.

You may resume your favorite variable star data feeding...

Kudos to the AAVSO IT Moving Team. Let's hope the rest of the move goes as smoothly and quickly. Then this author advocates Arne getting pizza and beer for everyone!!

Astronomer David Levy Suffers Stroke. Recovering Nicely.

[Jan. 31st, 2007|11:05 pm]

Astronomer David Levy, one of the greatest comet hunters in human history, variable star astronomer, lecturer, and writer, has had a stroke.

This was reported, now that the news has gotten out, on the AAVSO listserv by Dr. Mario Motta.

The good news is that the stroke seems to be minor in that, as a deep right hemisphere stroke, the symptoms were minor. However, it is clear from the CT scan that David did, indeed, have a stroke. The scan showed no significant blockages so surgery will not be needed. David is on aspirin and is recovering. While he still has some left arm weakness, the prognosis is good and its possible that aspirin may be all that will be needed.

His wife, Wendy, is, of course, horribly busy and asks that folks not flood their email-box just now.

David has been a tireless advocate of amateur astronomers, comet hunting, astronomical history, and variable star astronomy. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I wish him well in his recovery. Personally, Stellafane and AAVSO conferences wouldn't be the same without him!

Mission Set to Upgrade Hubble...

[Oct. 31st, 2006|10:43 am]

The NASA Administrator, as this is being posted, is announcing the crew for the Hubble upgrade mission. This will include new gyros and new science packages and is expected to make the Hubble productive until 2014.

Hubble has done many variable star observations, sometimes with the cooperation of amateur variable star observers and AAVSO members.

News From the AAVSO Annual Meeting...

[Oct. 28th, 2006|06:23 pm]

This weekend the 95th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Variable Star Observers was held in Newton, MA.

Many things were reported, some of which may be detailed here in the near future. However, one specific item was made in Dr. Arne Henden's Director's Report that, I think, will be significant to AAVSO's future.

The AAVSO is moving...about 100 meters across the street. They have bought Sky & Telescope's main building. Moving in day is scheduled sometime in January of 2007. This move will at least double the amount of space for the AAVSO Headquarters.

Astronomical Humor...

[Oct. 28th, 2006|06:23 pm]

Heard during the taking of the Group Photo during the 95th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Variable Star Observers:

Rebecca: "Everyone say 'Three minutes til the end of the coffee break!'"
Doc: "Don't worry, Rebecca, we'll go at the coffee at the speed of light."
Dr. Gay: "But that will mean we'll have infinite mass."
Doc: "But also infinite speed. I remember my coursework!"

Photographer: "Hang on. I'm taking additional photos in different formats."
Doc: "I'm assuming you're including FITS format in this."