Variable star photometry in a secondary school curriculum

Abstract

The author proved that photometry of variable stars can be performed by anyone using the shoestring budget of only a digital camera along with a laptop. Extrinsic variable star Algol was observed using a 14" telescope as well as CCD and had its light curve plotted. In direct comparison, V474 Mon was observed using only a low cost $200 digital camera. Armed with a laptop for data analysis, the author plotted its light curve. Lastly, the whole process of research astronomy was applied to a classroom final project setting. Future work includes expanding this thesis into a full semester long astronomy course for high school students.