AAVSO Publications and Periodicals

Periodicals

News Flashes

A listing of recently submitted observations of interest. Often indicating unusual activity in novae or other variable stars.

Alert Notices

Alerts those interested to the discovery of novae, unusual activity of variable stars, and special requests from astronomers for simultaneous AAVSO observations during observing programs using earth-based large telescopes and instruments aboard satellites.

AAVSO Circular

Contains preliminary results of observations of cataclysmic variables and stars of special interest submitted as nightly observations in the previous month.

AAVSO Newsletter

Published irregularly and contains updates as to the activities of the Association. Distributed automatically to members.

Journal Of The AAVSO (JAAVSO)

Contains the results of work on variable stars mostly by AAVSO members. It also contains reports on the activities of AAVSO committees, the Annual Report of the Director, and observer observation totals. Distributed automatically to members and subscribers.

AAVSO Bulletin

Contains the predicted maxima and minima dates of approximately 700 long period and semi-regular variables. This publication is used extensively by AAVSO observers, and also by astronomers in scheduling both ground-based and satellite observations, affording efficient use of expensive instrument time. Distributed to active observers and subscribers automatically. Distributed to other members upon request.

Solar Bulletin

Contains information on solar activity (sunspots and solar flares). Please note, this item will be available on the web site free of charge in the future.

AAVSO Photoelectric Photometry Newsletter

Contains brief reports on small-amplitude variables, requests for photoelectric photometry observations, and photoelectric hardware and software. Distributed to observers and other members free of charge upon request.

RR Lyrae &Eclipsing Binary Bulletins

Contain information on the unusual activity of these stars in the AAVSO observing programs and listings of those stars in the program in need of special attention.

AAVSO Ephemerides for RR Lyrae Stars and Eclipsing Binaries

Contain times of predicted maxima or minima for these stars.

Periodical Package

This package includes a subscription to all of the publications listed above except for the AAVSO Alert Notices. In addition, the package includes issues of AAVSO Monographs, Monograph Supplements, and volumes of Observed Minima Timings of Eclipsing Binaries that happen to be published during the year.

Publications

Variable Star Observing Materials

Manual For Visual Observing of Variable Stars

The only manual on this subject available for the new observer. Contains information needed to set up an observing program and report observations of variable stars. Includes diagrams, tables, and practice charts. All new AAVSO members receive this manual automatically, free of charge.

AAVSO Variable Star Atlas, Second Edition

Indicates locations of all stars down to magnitude 9.5, as well as brighter variable stars whose magnitude range exceeds 0.5. Also includes all other fainter variables in the current observing program of the AAVSO and the RASNZ. Comparison stars, with magnitudes indicated, are also shown where possible. The atlas also contains all galaxies contained in the Shapley-Ames Catalogue, all Messier objects, and many other deep-sky objects, as well as diffuse and planetary nebular. 8.5 x 11-inch pages in a 10.25 x 11.5-inch loose-leaf notebook.

Nova Hunter's Handbook

Contains all the information needed to begin your own nova search program.

Supernova Search Manual

Contains information on visual and photographic searching, amateur possibilities for searching with a CCD, addresses and phone numbers of people to contact should you make a discovery, as well as a great deal of other interesting i nformation for the supernova searcher. Thanks to funds provided by the Harold S. Martin Fund we are able to offer this manual for the cost of postage and handling only.

AAVSO Catalog Of Variable Star Charts

Lists charts of variable stars in the AAVSO visual observing program which may be ordered from the AAVSO. It lists the designation and name of the variable star, type of variable, range, period, and spectra. AAVSO charts must be use d if observational data are to be submitted to the AAVSO, so that uniformity of comparison star brightness is maintained. All new AAVSO members receive this catalog automatically, free of charge.

Catalog of Preliminary AAVSO Format Charts

Lists charts of stars recently added to the observing program of the AAVSO. These charts are called "preliminary" because they are subject to change (i.e., revisions of comparison star magnitudes, stellar disk sizes, etc.). Their f ormat is the same as that of the standard charts.

Catalog of Photoelectric Photometry Charts

Finding charts for variable stars of all types in the photoelectric photometry program of the AAVSO.

General Catalogue of Variable Stars

To date five volumes of this edition of the General Catalogue of Variable Stars have been published, the AAVSO has vol.III, IV, and V for sale:

Volume III (1987)	Pavo - Vulpecula, by constellation
Volume IV [1992]	Andromeda - Vulpecula, cross-ref by design. & cross-refs. for Bayer, Flamsteed, etc. stars
Volume V (1995)	Catalogue of Extragalactic Variable Stars/Catalogue of Extragalactic Supernovae

New Catalogue Of Suspected Variable Stars

Contains information on 14,810 variable stars not named until 1980. Also includes 2,475 objects for which variability is doubtful or erroneous.

Variable Star Data/Light Curves

AAVSO Monographs

Monographs contain AAVSO observations and light curves of one star and cover many years. Supplements are free if you are purchasing or already own the associated Monograph. A complete list of available monographs are online.If you would like to order a paper copy with the light curves please specify which ones you would like in the comments section of the order form.

Maxima & Minima of Long Period Variables, 1949 - 1975

Contains the maxima and minima dates and corresponding magnitudes for 385 long period variable stars from 1949 through 1975. Also included are notes on unusual bevior of the stars covered and errata to the Studies of Long Period Va riables (Leon Campbell, 1955).

AAVSO Quarterly Reports & AAVSO Reports

Quarterly Reports contain listings of observations sent to Headquarters compiled on a quarterly basis. Reports contain computer-generated light curves of variables in the AAVSO observing program, usually covering an interval of 100 0 days. Please contact AAVSO Headuqarters if you wish to know which stars are covered, or the specific time intervals covered by each report. Specify which Reports you are requesting on the order form.

AAVSO Quarterly Reports 1 - 27 (1946-1960): listings only

AAVSO Reports 28 - 30 (1961-1966): light curves and listings

AAVSO Reports 31 - 37 not published

AAVSO Report 38 (1974 - 1977)

Observed Minima Timings of Eclipsing Binaries

These five 50-page booklets each contain minima timings of 50 eclipsing binary stars since 1975. For each star an O-C diagram and corresponding times of minima and O-C values are given. Please contact AAVSO Headquarters if you wish to know which stars are covered in each volume. Thanks to funds provided by the Harold S. Martin Fund we are able to offer this publication for the cost of postage and handling only.

Historical and Social Interest

75th Anniversary Edition of the Journal of the AAVSO

A unique publication celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Association. It contains historical information on variable stars and the AAVSO, reviews of major types of variable stars, scientific papers of variable stars, and reports of the activities of variable star groups around the world. Also updates members as to the activities of the AAVSO, provides papers on talks given at the dedication of the new AAVSO headquarters at 25 Birch St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.

Variable Star Research: An International Perspective

Proceedings of the First European Meeting of the AAVSO. Contains 38 papers by professional and amateur astronomers covering such topics as the history of variable star research, contributions by amateurs, current understanding of the major classes of variable stars, and prospects for amateur-professional collaboration in the future. Visual, photoelectric, and CCD observing techniques are discussed.

"Maria Mitchell's Famous Students" and "Comets Over Nantucket"

The first essay looks at the achievements of Maria Mitchell's most noteworthy students: Mary Whitney, Margaretta Palmer, Antonia Maury, and Caroline Furness; all of whom showed some interest in variable stars. The second essay tracks Maria Mitchell's comet discoveries and her interest in the comets of her time. It also gives a brief chronicle of comets photographed at the Maria Mitchell Observatory.

Women in the History of Variable Star Astronomy

Chronicles the important role that women have played and continueto play in the field of variable star astronomy. Includes sections titled: The Pre-Photographic Years. Enter: The Women At Harvard, Statistics of Discovery, Photometr y, Interpretation of Light Curves, Spectroscopy, Birth to Death of Variable Stars, and the Role of the AAVSO. A very interesting historical record.

The Education of American Women Astronomers Before 1960

Briefly outlines the meager availability of courses in astronomy to American women, a comparison of Maria Mitchell to her contemporary British women astronomers, a discussion of achievment of Mitchell's Vassar students, and a discu ssion of Harvard's role in the training of women and the opening of colleges for women.

The Story of the AAVSO and AAVSO Observers and Observations 1911-1993

Contains historical and organizational information on the AAVSO, including descriptions of AAVSO divisions and committees, publication activity, and services to astronomers. Also contains historical lists of the following: dates an d locations of past meetings; AAVSO officers; merit award and nova award recipients; lists of AAVSO observers and their observation totals; top 25 observers of all time.

Some Stars, Some Music: The Memoirs of Clinton B. Ford

The fascinating autobiography of the AAVSO's most generous benefactor whose activities and interests, from the age of 14, were deeply intertwined with those of the AAVSO.

Variable Comments

Delightful window on early AAVSO years; contains meeting reports, Annual Report of Recorder(Director), astronomical travel reports, poems, etc.

Volume I 1924 - 1928	(available as photocopy only)
Volume II 1929 - 1935	bound edition
Volume III 1936 - 1940	(available as photocopy only)
Volume IV 1941 - 1949	bound edition