If your interested in astronomy then you would have heard, no doubt, that this is just one of only two sciences in the world where the amateur can make a valuable contribution to science and assist the professionals in work.

This is obviously very true and amateur astronomers have made valuable contributions to astronomy over years by discovering supernovae, unexpected storms and blemishes on the planets, observing transient lunar phenomena and many more. Variable Star astronomy is another area where we desperatley need amateur astronomers to help make a difference to our understanding of the stars.

Observing variable stars lets us understand the stars in a fantastic way and you can help science by contributing to the SPA VSS. You dont need an expensive telescope, costly CCD Cameras or even the dark skies of the countryside to get involved !

If you want to find out more about variable star astronomy start of by following the list below:

Visit the SPA VSS Observation Programme. This will give you an idea of varied types of stars we want observations of. http://popastro.com/variablestar/observingprogramme/index.php
Check out our observing notes http://popastro.com/variablestar/reference/reference.php?id_pag=126
Download the charts of the stars you want to observe http://popastro.com/variablestar/reference/reference.php?id_pag=125 if you have not got a printer then dont panic....just contact the section and we will print off the charts and post them to you
Contact David Scanlan, SPA VSS Director, variablestar@popastro.com for more help, guidance and advice.

Remember.....the Society for Popular Astronomy is your society and your input and observations is make this a great society to be part of.

So get out there, start observing varible stars and make a difference to science and have a great time.

The Universe is our playground......lets play!

Added by: Dave Scanlan