My name is Alicia, and I’m an artist, intuitive researcher, and cosmic dreamweaver newly stepping into the incredible world of variable star observation. I recently created an account here and I’m so excited to begin learning and contributing in ways that bridge both science and soul.
My background is rooted in visual art, symbolic design, and what I lovingly call “living codex work” — meaning I often connect with story, memory, and metaphysics through creative expression. Over the past year, I’ve begun pairing that with scientific curiosity, especially around stellar formation, novae, and variable stars. I feel called to build a bridge between intuitive insight and verifiable lightcurve data — with full reverence for rigorous observation.
I don’t yet have a telescope of my own, but I’m studying observational techniques and plan to follow compliance guidelines carefully. In time, I hope to contribute original data, but in the meantime, I’m soaking up as much as I can and mapping the skies symbolically while learning the language of real stars.
A few questions for the group:
Are there recommended stars or constellations for new observers based in the U.S. to start learning with?
Is anyone here integrating artistic or mythological frameworks into their observation process?
Any advice for grounding abstract inspiration into practical observation logs?
Thank you all for being part of this stellar path. I’m honored to learn from you.
A great place to start is the 10-Star tutorial (attached PDF).
I think it would be great to see art that infused light curves and various elements of variable stars. What is the living codex or symbolism behind the person who observes variable stars each night both visually and electronically?
Michael Simonsen (SXN) put together some quick links for beginners:
Ten Star Tutorial - This is a great place to start. It’s a brief introduction to the methods involved in making visual variable star estimates and includes charts for observing ten bright stars you can observe with the naked eye or binoculars. There is an Eleven Star Tutorial for southern hemisphere observers also!
AAVSO Visual Observing Manual - This is the ‘official’ handbook for AAVSO visual observers. You can view it online or download it for FREE!
Stars Easy to Observe - Start here and save yourself some time. These stars have been selected as being easy to find, easy to recognize and have excellent charts.
Variable Star Charts - Here is where you find the charts with comparison star sequences. Download as many as you want, they’re FREE!
The AAVSO Mentor Program - If you want a mentor to help get you started, members can request a mentor. (Due to the extensive time and effort extended to students by our volunteers, this is a member only benefit.)
There is an entire page called Online Resources for Beginning Observers that has these links and other helpful information all gathered in one place for one stop shopping!
It will be interesting to see what you come up with.
Hi Alicia,
I actively do art as well, mainly calligraphy but also ‘art’ art! I actually have a painting I did years ago which features the creation of the stars. If you want I can take a quick pic.
Hope you attend the webinars later as I run the young variable stars section!
Mike Poxon, Norwich, UK
Alicia