Last night’s binocular observation of eta Carinae was my 500th visual observation submission to the AAVSO International Database (AID).
An extremely modest number really, compared with other observers over a similar timeframe.
But still, somehow a nice milestone.
I’ve also submitted more than 100 DSLR photometry observations to AID. Again, not many in comparative terms.
The light curve shows the last ten years of visual and B band data along with the 169 (in purple) visual and DSLR eta Carinae observations I’ve made during that time. The red trend line shows the steady rise in eta Carinae’s brightness that has been going on for decades now.
Between VStar, work, and life in general, I don’t get a lot of time to observe these days, but I try to make each observation count.
For anyone following Strange Quarks, you will have noticed my preoccupation with other things in recent months.
Indeed, my last variable star blog post was regarding a southern nova in March 2018.
This pre-occupation is taking its toll in various ways on me and those around me.
July 14, 2019 at 9:41 pm |
Congratulations on your milestone, David. I guess you living in the southern hemisphere have the privilege (and responsibility) of making observations of stars that are followed by relatively few observers, as comoared to the north. That is surely a thrilling experience. Good luck in your future observations!
July 15, 2019 at 8:59 am |
Thanks Hernán!