5-Star Analysis Tutorial

This 5-Star Analysis Tutorial is meant to introduce you to basic ways of data processing and inspection. It does not assume a background in astrophysics, statistics or anything similar. However, all good researchers need to understand what their data actually mean. So if you have never made a variable star estimate before, we strongly recommend first reading our 10-Star Observing Tutorial. That will give you an idea of where these data come from and what it means to actually observe a variable star.

Click here to download the 5-Star Analysis Tutorial (4MB PDF)

The tutorial links to a few online tools and web sites. For your convenience, below is a list of some of the links.

• Citizen Sky Online Light Curve Generator
• AAVSO Online Light Curve Generator
• VStar Data Analysis Software
• Citizen Sky Interactive Simulator - online modeling tool
• Citizen Sky "Quick Look" Data (observations in ascii form)
• Variable Star Index (VSX) - search background info on variable stars
• Variable Star Astronomy - online curriculum with excellent chapters on data analysis
• Time Series Analysis of Astronomical Data - more advanced period analysis tutorial