How to use AstroImageJ and astrometry.
net to perform photometry and obtain light curves
Astrometry.net>>novaastrometry.net>>upload>>choose_file>> aligned>>.fitsfile
(any)>>upload
Go to results page:
Go to aavso.org simultaneously.
Click variable star index option>> search
From results page under calibration, copy ; (RA, hms): 03h 43m 22.744s (Right
ascension) & (Dec, dms): +26° 22' 35.272" (declenation) .and paste it in the “position”
box of aavso page.. .remove letters and degrees, ‘, ‘’
For size, copy the radius from the results page and paste it. Change arc minutes to degrees
Select the part of the constellation… eg: Perseus
Click Search
Lists of variable star will be displayed
Select the variable star whose mag range is between 6-12
EG:V0898 Per
Open AstroimageJ
File>>Import>>Image Sequence
Make sure that the direction is for the aligned folder..
Check on “Use virtual stack”
A new window with an image will pop up..
Process>>data reduction facility
2 dialog box will pop up (DP coordinate converter and CCD data. Processor)
Under DP coordinate converter;
Under SIMBAD object ID; type the name of the variable star selected.
Under CCD data processor:
Make sure that the path is for aligned folder
Type *.fits ( to ensure only the file ending in .fits are being selected)
Uncheck all the boxes
Under observatory location source ; choose “ FITS header latitude and longitude”
Open “General FITS header setting” panel (tool symbol)
Under Observatory latitude/longitude keyword, type :LAT-ORBS, LONG-ORBS respectively.
Minimize other dialog box and work on “aligned window”
Select the circular drawing tool
Select the required variable star from its RA and Dec
After finding the star, draw an aperature around it.
Analyze>>plot seeking profile>>ok
“Seeing profile” window will pop up
We are interested in 3 radii ( FWHM, Back>, <Back)
Need to multiply the 3 radii by alignment factor , 1.4. 4.41,16.8, 25.2
R1= FWHM*1.4
R2= Back> * 1.4
R3= <Back * 1.4
After calculating , go back to CCD data processor window;
Under control panel (last section), click on ‘Set’
Input all the 3 radii, on the box
Uncheck “ use variable aperature” if checked
Click OK
Click the “ display multi-aperature settings” box , beside “Set”.. ( nothing will appear).. click
start
2 new window will pop up
Under one window,Make sure that the radii are accurate
Select “Auto fixed aperature from first image T1”
Click “place apearture”
Locate the variable star again… make sure you don’t click on any other part of the screen.
Click on the variable star, other comparison star will also pop up..
Go back to CCD data processor window and click enter..
Go back to the window of variable star and comparison star and click enter
Multiple windows will pop up and the light curve starts developing…
