Variable Stars is a mobile catalog of over 183 thousand stars that vary in brightness over time. These stars are of interest to both professional and amateur astronomers alike. For the professional, the study of variable stars provides insights into stellar evolution and the physical properties of some of the most intriguing and diverse stars in the Universe. For the amateur, variable star observing represents a wonderful opportunity to make a real scientific contribution to astronomical research by carrying out needed observations that cannot be performed by large observatories. This app includes a wealth of introductory information about variable stars and provides the tools needed to help you find stars that appeal to your interest within the limits of your available equipment. Whether you own a large telescope or a simple pair of binoculars, you too can begin contributing to research in stellar astronomy!Variable Stars was developed in collaboration with the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). Founded almost 100 years ago, the AAVSO brings together amateur and professional astronomers who observe variables and analyze the resulting light curves in order to better understand these fascinating objects. We hope this app will be used by the astronomy enthusiast looking to make a foray into real scientific research as well as by experts seeking quick information about particular variables stars, variable types, or classes. Using Variable Stars, you can: - Look up information on over 183,000 variable stars.- Search variables by name, class, type, celestial coordinates, visibility for your time zone and geographical location, brightness, and more!- Identify which stars are currently above the horizon, and where to find them in the sky.- Store your favorite variables for quick access. These may be stars that are part of your personalized observing program.- Learn about Variable Star Astronomy and how you can make astronomical observations that contribute to real scientific research whether you own a large telescope or just a pair of binoculars.- Save and restore preference settings.- Read the completely embedded and fully diagrammed user-manual showing you how to make the most of the application. (The user manual is also available on our website: http://www.DiatomSoftware.com for printing.)Variable Stars does not require internet or 3G connectivity.SAMPLE QUERIES:Using our simple filtering and sorting interface, you can pose a wide variety of interesting questions:- What are the facts on epison Aurigae (eps Aur)?- Which confirmed variables are visible to the naked eye at peak brightness and have a minimum magnitude range (amplitude) greater than 1.0?- What RRab-type variables in the GCVS catalog have the largest amplitude in the visible passband?- What erupting or cataclysmic variables are found in the constellation Cygnus the Swan?- What long-period variables are circumpolar at my latitude? - And many more!
