Scientific Activities
Observing Methods
Useful contributions to science can be made from visual observations using telescopes, binoculars, and even the unaided eye. Images obtained with CCD cameras yield measurements that are more accurate and precise. The fundamental characteristics to be measured normally include position, brightness, and color. When systemtic measurements are recorded and analyzed, many subtle characteristics can be determined, including the changing brightness of variable stars over time, orbital elements of minor planets, rotational periods and phase curve parameters of asteroids, and precise positions from the timing of occultations and eclipses.
CVAS members routinely make observations of many different types of objects, and often share their results with organizations such as the American Association of Variable Star Observers, the Minor Planet Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Several of our members have had their research published in peer reviewed journals, including Icarus and the Minor Planet Bulletin.
Possible New Radiant in Early February This article appeared in the February 2000 issue of the Journal of the International Meteor Organization. Authors include George Gliba, CVAS Member.
Aries-Triangulids
This article describes visual meteor observations and appears in the February 1997
issue of The Strolling Astronomer, Journal of the
Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers.
Authors include George Gliba,
CVAS Member.
Dwarf Nova SS Cyg in Outburst
August 2007
SS Cyg at mag
12.2V on August 15 and 8.5V on August 24, Location: Richmond
Hts., Ohio, 20.0cm f/5 Newtonian Reflector,
SBIG ST-7XME w/V filter, exposure 60.0s & 20.0s, Observer:
Robert J. Modic.
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September 2009 Photometric measurements of SS Cyg.
The Magnitudes of the Planets This article appeared in the January 2011 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine, and is posted here with permission, by A. Mallama, CVAS Member.
Project NeilBone Article about observing asteroids passing through very low phase angles.
2003 UV11 October 28,
2010
2003 UV11 October 30,
2010
Two videos of Near Earth Asteroid 2003 UV11 recorded at
Indian Hill Observatory in late October 2010.
Details of the observations
Occultation and Eclipse Timing
Jupiter August 13, 2007, Indian Hill Observatory, CVAS 40.0cm f/7 Newtonian Reflector, SBIG ST-7XME w/V filter, exposure 0.12s, Observer: Robert J. Modic.
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Eclipse of Io (video) and Lightcurve August 13, 2007, 1:46 to 1:51 UT, Indian Hill Observatory, CVAS 40.0cm f/7 Newtonian Reflector, SBIG ST-7XME w/V filter, exposure 0.5s, Observer: Robert J. Modic.
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Mutual Event of Ariel and Umbriel Lightcurve and Annotated Image August 13, 2007, Indian Hill Observatory, CVAS 40.0cm f/7 Newtonian Reflector, SBIG ST-7XME w/C filter, exposure 5.0s, Observer: Robert J. Modic.
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Asteroid 391 Ingeborg
(occultation near-miss)
August 13, 2007, Indian Hill Observatory, CVAS 40.0cm f/7
Newtonian Reflector,
SBIG ST-7XME w/V filter, exposure 20.0s, Observer: Robert J.
Modic.
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Assessment of the Resonant Perturbations Errors in Galilean
Satellite Ephemerides Using Precisely Measured Eclipse Times
Icarus (2010) Vol
210, 346-357. Authors include A. Mallama and B. Kroubsek,
CVAS members.
Abstract
Astrometry of Iapetus, Ariel, Umbriel, and Titania from
Eclipses and Occultations
Icarus (2009) Vol 200, 265-270.
Authors include A. Mallama and R. Modic,
CVAS members.
Abstract
Characterization of Terrestral Exoplanets based on Phase
Curves and Albedos of Mercury, Venus and Mars
Icarus (2009)
Vol 204, 11-14. Author A. Mallama, CVAS member.
Abstract
Photometric Observations and Analysis of 604 Tekmessa
Minor Planet Bulletin (2011) Vol 38, Number 4, 195-197.
Authors include R. Baker, CVAS member. Abstract
Photometric Observations and Analysis of 1082 Pirola
Minor Planet Bulletin (2011) Vol 38, Number 2, 111-114. Authors
include R. Baker, CVAS member.
Abstract
Photometry of Mercury from SOHO/LASCO and Earth. The Phase
Function from 2 to 170 deg.
Icarus (2002) Vol
155, 253-264. Authors include A. Mallama, CVAS member.
Abstract
Rotation Period and H-G Parameters Determination for 1700
Zvezdara: A Collaborative Photometry Project
Minor Planet Bulletin (2010) Vol 37, Number 3, 81-83.
Authors include R. Baker,
CVAS member.
Abstract
The Magnitude and Albedo of Mars
Icarus (2007)
Vol 192, 404-416. Author A. Mallama, CVAS member.
Abstract
Venus Phase Function and Forward Scattering from H2SO4
Icarus (2006) Vol 182, 10-22. Authors include A.
Mallama, CVAS member.
Abstract