Observing variable stars is one of the major contributions amateur astronomers make to science. There are 36,000 variable stars listed in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, so it is clearly impossible for the limited number of professional observatories to target even the majority of them. That's where amateur astronomers come in - thousands of them turning their telescopes to the sky every night. Variable star observing is the most popular of "real science" activities for amateurs, and Gerry Good's book provides everything needed. The first part of the book provides a highly detailed account of the various classes of variable star, with examples, illustrations and physical descriptions. The second section covers practical aspects of observing, everything from preparation and planning, through observing techniques, to data management and reduction.

From the Author

I wrote this book with the beginning Variable Star observer in mind but with due concern for the experienced amateur. There are several good Variable Star books out but none I found that filled the gap between beginning observer and Graduate level college students. This book is an attempt to fill the gap. For the begining observer, you will find much to help explain the various types of Variable Stars; methods for planning, preparation, observing and basic analysis of your data. Included within the book are explainations for the various telescopes, eyepieces, mounts, charts, and accessories. For the advanced observer, you will find a good description of the many classes and sub-classes of Variable Stars, many not well observed by amateurs, such as BY Draconis stars, S Doradus stars, RPHS stars, 53 Perseus stars and many, many others. Of course, the favored Cataclysmic Variables, Mira, SR, RR Lyr and Eclipsing Binaries are also covered.
I understand that this book will not describe the dynamic environment of Variable Star observing to the satisfaction of all, but this should be a good beginnig for observers just starting and another chapter for those who have been at it for awhile.
- Clear Skies -

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