AAVSO is more than an organization; it is a global community of passionate individuals working together to advance our understanding of the universe. In 2024, our members, volunteers, and supporters contributed in countless ways—observing, mentoring, collaborating, and funding the work that fuels discovery.
AAVSO data has helped unveil the mysteries of Rho Cas and stars like it. Among the multitude of stars in the universe—some estimates put the number at 1 septillion, or
AAVSO is more than an organization; it is a global community of passionate individuals working together to advance our understanding of the universe. In 2024, our members, volunteers, and supporters contributed in countless ways—observing, mentoring, collaborating, and funding the work that fuels discovery.
February 9 marked the 79th anniversary of T Coronae Borealis’ most recent outburst in 1946. Earlier predictions have come and gone—will 2025 be the year the “Blaze Star” finally erupts.
The distinctive pink clubhouse marks its hundredth birthday, and amateur telescope makers continue to flock to the grandfather of astronomy conventions. It was the summer of 1920 in Southern Vermont.
An ambitious project to digitize much of Harvard’s collection of more than half a million astronomical photographic glass plates has reached a significant milestone. As the largest archive of its
It’s been 78 years since T Coronae Borealis’ last outburst. Astronomers are gearing up for the Blaze Star’s next show. Spread across an area of 179 square degrees, Corona Borealis
Participation is growing in this exciting pro-am collaboration, but there are still stars to be claimed. | By Tim Lyster The launch announcement of a professional-amateur collaboration appeared in a forum
Reflecting on my inaugural year as Executive Director, I find myself deeply inspired by the passion and dedication within the AAVSO community. As I delved into the organization’s rich history and connected with its diverse members, I gained a profound appreciation for the pivotal role AAVSO plays in advancing astrophysics . . .
SNEWS—the Super Nova Early Warning System—is an interesting collaboration between professionals and amateur astronomers, and an example of so-called “multi-messenger astronomy.”
Inconsistencies in the WBVR catalog magnitudes adopted in the Variable Star Database were causing issues for our observers. An assessment and major clean-up was in order!
A century ago, on the night of October 5/6, 1923, Edwin Hubble’s photographic observations of a Cepheid variable settled the vexing question of the day: Our Milky Way is not the entire universe.
As I write this letter, I just completed my fourth month as Executive Director. I’ve spent most of my time learning about the organization, identifying areas for improvement, and strategizing on how we should adapt for the future. In doing so, I’ve discovered a vibrant community . . . who care deeply about the causes we represent.
In 2021, we celebrated 110 years of the AAVSO’s foundation. Such an anniversary is an excellent place to pause; it is a moment for us to take stock, appreciate where we started and the challenges we faced, and celebrate our progress and accomplishments. And last year, the Board and I presented our new strategic plan.
I am sure all of us welcomed the end of 2020, a year when the pandemic disrupted our lives, threatened our health, and weakened our economies and the wellbeing of many of us. Even under those circumstances . . . we recognize an urgent need for all of us to focus on the big picture. We know that we have a duty to serve you.
