Mike Simonsen of the AAVSO and Variable Star Observing - On Astronomy.FM Radio

Astronomy.FM is proud to welcome Mike Simonsen to The Event^Horizon on AFM*Radio at 9:00pm US EST on Friday, January 29 (0200 UT Saturday morning, January 30). Mike will join AFM Vice President Marty Kunz to discuss the AAVSO, and opportunities for amateurs to help in observing variable stars.

Mike Simonsen is the Development Director for the AAVSO. Among his various responsibilities, Mike coordinates the AAVSO Mentor program which helps newer observers to improve their skills. He has also played a key part in the development of the AAVSO charting program.

The AAVSO coordinates, evaluates, compiles, processes, publishes, and disseminates variable star observations to the astronomical community throughout the world. 

Membership in the AAVSO is open to anyone interested in variable stars and in contributing to the support of this valuable research — professionals, amateurs, and educators alike. Since professional astronomers often do not have the telescope time needed to follow a particular star or group of stars, the dedication of amateur astronomers is often an invaluable means of collecting information. For nearly 100 years, amateur astronomers from all over the world and from all backgrounds have contributed observations, one at a time, to make up the more than 16.9 million data points housed in the AAVSO International Database!

Astronomy.FM, an amateur astronomy focused organization has a mission "to explore, enjoy, and promote astronomy and space science; to encourage and facilitate the growth of astronomy science to professionals, amateurs, and students, and to bring awareness to the public; to educate and inspire humanity to 'look skyward' and learn." Membership is free and without obligation. Members and the public can listen to broadcasts using links at Astronomy.FM.