Contributing your first observation is a big step for most AAVSO observers, so let’s walk through all the steps to make sure that you are prepared as possible, regardless of what type of data you are trying to submit.
Join the Community
The first step to submitting data is letting us know who you are. This involves a couple simple steps.
- Create an Account: Each person wanting to submit data or take full advantage of what the AAVSO has to offer needs to sign up with an email address.
- Request an Obscode: Once you have created an account, go to your User Profile. From there, click the link to “Request an Obscode” and one will be automatically assigned to you.
Your Obscode is your unique identifier that will permanently connect you with all the data you will ever submit. Once you have these things you are ready to move to the next step.
Register your Site and Equipment
No matter what type of observing you’re doing it’s always important to record your location and what you are using to observe.
Site: Go to the Sites Tab in your User Profile.
Your site is denoted by latitude and longitude. This should represent where the observation was taken and not where you live. If you observe from multiple locations, you can create multiple sites.
Equipment: Go to the Equipment Tab in your User Profile.
You should fill out a different equipment package for each different setup you intend to use for submitting data. While most fields overlap there are some that must be included for the type of observing you plan to do:
- Exoplanet: Scroll down to the section labeled “Required for submitting exoplanet data” and make sure all these fields are filled out.
- Spectroscopy: Select “Spec” as your Observing Type. Scroll down to the section labeled “Required for submitting Spectra” and make sure all these fields are filled out.
- Solar: Select “Solar” as your Observing Type. Note, you will also need to make an equipment profile in SunEntry as well.
Create Your File/Observation
Each type of Observation has different requirements and different metadata needed. This section will point you in the right direction.
Stellar Variability
File Type: txt . Can also upload individual observations
Necessary MetaData: See AID File Format
First Contribution: No requirements, but recommended you choose a star that is well observed.
Spectroscopy
File Type: Fits
Necessary MetaData: See Technical Guide Section 3: Observation Requirements.
First Contribution: Must be an approved Standard Star
Exoplanet
File Type: txt
Necessary MetaData: See Section III. A: Parameters
First Contribution: No requirements, but recommended to observe a well known transit such as HD 209458b.
Solar
File Type: NA. Submit Observations individually through SunEntry.
Necessary MetaData: NA
First Contribution: Must contact the AAVSO to let us know to add you to the solar database.
Upload Your Observation
Stellar Variability
Location: WebObs 2.0
Options: Individual Observation or File
Additional Information: NA
Spectroscopy
Location: AVSpec
Options: Individual, Multiple
Additional Information: The site and equipment listed must match those given in your FITS file.
Exoplanet
Location: Exoplanet Database
Options: NA
Additional Information: You should also add a supporting image which shows the plate solution and the uploaded star and comp stars. A sample image is shown in Figure 2 on the exoplanet documentation page.
Solar
Location: SunEntry Java Application
Options: NA
Additional Information: Download SunEntry and install Java