I recently gave a talk via ASSA@Home about making the connection between variable star observations (from the AAVSO International Database and Kepler mission) with the processes in the star systems themselves.
I gave examples of pulsating variables (Chi Cyg, RS Pup, RR Lyr, T Umi), an Algol type eclipsing binary (ASAS J035812+1629.7), the enigmatic luminous blue variable eta Car, and the recurrent nova RS Oph, showed videos linking light curves with stellar processes, inspected time series observations, created phase plots and carried out analyses such as period search and time-frequency analysis using VStar.
While not as polished and more ad hoc and exploratory than last year’s RS Oph recurrent nova eruption talk for ASSA, it was fun and seemed to be appreciated, despite less than best audio and video at times. It’s also not easy watching yourself give a talk. 🙂
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