Astronomical Links of Interest
Astronomical Organizations
- American Association of Variable Star
Observers (AAVSO) A worldwide organization dedicated to
the study of variable stars by amateurs. Both wonderful organization and
membership.
- Milwaukee Astronomical Society
(MAS) Link is back up and operating! I am a long-time
member of the MAS and it is the place I got my start in variable stars.
The variable star observing legacy of this organization
is second to none.
- Phoenix Astronomical Society (PAS)
A plug for the hometown club. I joined when they decided to enroll in the
Astronomical League.
- Astronomical League (AL)
Though it is mostly known for its certificates, I continue
to support the AL because it is now actively promoting scientific observing
(for example: Varable Stars) and is helping in the fight against light
pollution.
- International Dark-Sky Association
(IDA) When I was growing up, I was a fan of Mission
Impossible. This is the real thing.
- VSNET
Taichi Kato and his colleges at Kyoto University are
the undisputed kings of email. By posting your observations, they can be
both admired and flamed at the same time.
- BAAVSS The
British Astronomical Association Variable Star Section. I have no first
hand experience to tell you about this organization. The members that I
know, however, are world class which tells me it must be a great
organisation.
Other Useful Links
Individuals
Gary
Poyner When it comes to crazy, I'm an amateur compared
to Gary. Observing from the famously clear skies of Great Britain, he is
one of the most active VSOers on the planet. Vicious rumors persist that
me and Gary are one in the same. The main evidence sited is the Superman
/ Clark Kent theory: that is, we have never been seen in the same room
together. I remain unconvinced.
Mike Simonsen.
When it comes to psychotic behavior all done in the name of variable
stars, Mike has raised the bar so high that any lunatic wannabe just doesn't stand
a chance! In my opinion he's succeeded in the absolute unachievable:
make Gary Poyner look like a rank amateur in comparison. (So for
those keeping track, the line of crazy in ascending sequence is Gene,
Gary, and Mike. ;-) )
Lasse
Teist Jensen We lost Lasse a few years ago to CCD when
he joined Joe Patterson's CBA where his outstanding work continues. Before
that, he was one of the leading visual observers of CV's in the world.
Lasse, on a visit to the US stopped by to see my setup and talk about variables.
Talk about the power of the internet! We wanted to observe but the August
monsoon weather did not cooperate. He did, however, get to eat a genuine
Klondike Bar.
- Jerry McKenna
Jerry's been a variable star observer for twenty years and a lover of Klondike Bars. On his site he has archived a series
of group photos from AAVSO meetings.
- Tonny Vanmunster
Another one lost to Joe Patterson's CBA. He now "lives" variables
through his CCD camera and computer. He recently made his 100,000th CCD
measurement!
- Lew Cook
Another observer who gave up visual observing for a CCD.
- Chris Jones. Another one of
the Brits!
Other Interests
Mike Simonsen.