I’m currently in my last year of high school, with decent knowledge of physics/astrophysics, and regular access to a 16" Meade LX200 on a MaxPoint equatorial mount (under a dome). I also have a Nikon D5500, and I really want to start contributing data. However, after taking a quick look at some of the existing campaigns, I realized it isn’t as simple as slapping on a DSLR adapter and having my laptop take pictures automatically, and to be honest, I’m quite lost with all the terminology (Johnson V filter? e-/ADU? etc). Is there any point to get started, like equipment that isn’t very expensive, where I can still meaningfully contribute data? This way I can start to familiarize myself with the entire process of collecting data. Any recommendation on guides / places to find information on how this works would be appreciated as well! Thanks!
I get the impression you would like to start on variable star photometry from images (you mention your Nikon camera).
Perhaps you could start by looking at the DSLR Observing Manual (for observers using DSLR cameras or one shot colour astro cameras) and the CCD/CMOS Photometry Guide (for observers using monochrome CCD or CMOS cameras and scientific filters).
To find these, scroll down a little on a computer screen on the AAVSO Home Page and click Tools and Observer Resources.
On the right is a panel listing a variety of things. Scrool down to CCD Observers for the CCD/CMOS Guide and down to DSLR Observers for the DSLR Manual.
Hi. Everyone starts at the beginning and learns how to do some impressive things. You can do this, but just be patient with yourself. When starting out there are so many new things, new vocabulary, equipment and so on. It is bewildering. What I might suggest are some Youtube videos put out by the AAVSO on getting started (and other Youtube channels such as the The Astro Imaging Channel, TAIC). This will give you an overview of where you want to go and will explain various concepts. As you put together some of these ideas, it becomes easier to incorporate new ideas as you add to your knowledge base. After a bit of time you will be doing some photometry. If you can do deep sky astrophotography, then you have the skills to do photometry. There will be more to learn, but that is what makes it rewarding.
Your DSLR can do some types of photometry projects and I would suggest using what you have to do a few things before considering buying new equipment. There are a number of free software packages that do photometry, so again, don’t buy anything just yet.
check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtiNNz2ghTI for an AAVSO introductory video. Don’t expect to understand everything in one viewing. Keep in mind that you are after the overview first and the details make more sense as you add on experience.
Roy’s suggestion above are very good, but I would suggest watching the video first to get an overview.
Good luck, and always ask questions. Eventually, you might want to take the excellent courses that are offered through AAVSO.
Rick (observer code LRIB)