AAVSO Mentor Program

AAVSO has a long tradition of mentoring its new observers. Since the earliest days of the AAVSO, experienced observers have helped new observers by corresponding, answering questions and even providing personal guidance at the telescope.If you would like to "talk shop" with an experienced variable star observer, contact the AAVSO and we will put you in contact with the mentor program coordinator, Mike Simonsen. Just send us an email (aavso@aavso.org), or call 617-354-0484 to let us know you are interested in this program.Ideally, Mike will be able to provide you with names and phone numbers of active AAVSO observers near you. If there are none located in your area, he can provide you with more distant contacts via email. A simple phone chat or email with an experienced observer may provide all the feedback you need to continue progressing as an AAVSO observer.Here are some frequently asked questions we hear from new observers, with answers and suggestions. Q- How do I submit observations?A- You can submit observations by paper in writing, enter them into an AAVSO software program on your PC and email or upload them, or you can do it online via WebObs. For more information see: http://www.aavso.org/observing/submit/Q- Which stars should I observe first?A- This is a perfect question for you to ask your mentor. The answer depends on your location, equipment, experience, availability ... even the time of year! We do have a general list of "Stars Easy To Observe" that could be useful: http://www.aavso.org/observing/aids/easystars.shtmlQ- How often should I observe my variables?A- This too is a great question for you to discuss with your mentor. It depends very much on the type of variables you are observing. Here is a useful table with observing frequencies:http://www.aavso.org/aavso/about/howoften.shtmlQ- I don't feel very confident about my estimates - do my observations agree with those of other observers?A- Sometimes, just knowing that your observations agree with those of an experienced observer can provide reassurance. You can look up other observers' observations, as well as your own by checking the "Quick Look" data: http://www.aavso.org/data/ql/**But read- 'Avoiding Bias' here first!**Q- What's a good eyepiece for variable star observing with my telescope?A- That depends on your specific telescope, the focal length, aperture and other factors. The best general advice is to use the highest quality eyepiece you have. Anything more specific is a perfect topic for discussion with your mentor.