Research Activities

There are many ways in which amateur astronomers can assist in fostering the science of astronomy. For example, visual or photometric observations of variable stars; lunar and asteroidal observations; recording changes in separation and position angles of double stars and contributing the data to organisations that collect and disseminate data for public use. Our experienced members are happy to encourage and assist new members who wish to learn how to observe and contribute to the science of astronomy. We may be able to provide resources from the association assets, or help you in preparing a grant application to get the funds you need.

The AAQ has a strong research ethic, with members undertaking their own research, collaborating with other amateur and professional groups, and publishing their research in peer reviewed journals.

Research Grants

The Edward Corbould Research Fund (ECRF) of the Astronomical Association of Queensland (AAQ) was established in 1987 with a grant of $50,000 from Edward Corbould, a property developer in the Queensland Sunshine Coast area. The purpose of this fund is to support research projects by amateur astronomers, rather than simple data gathering. Grants, provided from the investment income of the fund, are offered at intervals that maintain the value of the principal.

In December 2024 the AAQ Council announced that grants from the ECRF would be available to fund astronomical research by Australian amateur astronomers commencing in July 2025. Applications are invited for funding up to the value of $15,000, to be received by the AAQ General Secretary no later than 28 February 2025.

Awards

Research Activities

Members of the association undertake substantial research activities, and frequently publish the results.  Below are details of publications and presentations made by members of this Association.

V775 Cen system illustration

Photometric and spectroscopic monitoring, radial velocities and evolutionary status of the chromospherically active, close eclipsing binaries ST Centauri and V0775 Centauri

Dr David Moriarty was an author on this publication in the Journal of Astrophysics and Space Science in 2019 Abstract We have combined photometric and spectroscopic observations of two very close eclipsing binary systems, ST Centauri and V775 Centauri, to determine their evolutionary state from calculations of masses and radii and other properties. Spectral types […]

Southern Eclipsing Binary Minima and Light Elements in 2020

Dr David Moriarty, Roy Axelsen and Mark Blackford were authors on this publication in the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers in 2021. Abstract We present 246 times of minima of 77 southern hemisphere eclipsing binary stars acquired in 2020. These observations were acquired and analysed by the authors, who are members […]

HM Pup radial velocity plot

Comprehensive analysis of southern eclipsing systems with pulsating components: The cases of HM Pup, V632 Sco, and TT Vel

Dr David Moriarty was an author on this publication in the Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2022 Abstract This work presents an extensive analysis of the properties of three southern semi-detached eclipsing binaries hosting a pulsating component, namely HM Pup, V632 Sco, and TT Vel. Systematic multi-filtered photometric observations were obtained using telescopes located […]

Period Analysis, Photometry and Astrophysical Modelling of the Contact Eclipsing Binary BC Gruis

Dr David Moriarty was the author on this publication in the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers in 2016. Abstract BC Gruis is a W UMa-type contact binary system of the W-subtype with the primary minimum 0.1 magnitudes fainter than the secondary minimum. The period is currently 0.3073060 ± 0.0000001 days; it […]

Revised Light Elements of 78 Southern Eclipsing Binary Systems

Dr David Moriarty was an author on this publication in the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers in 2015 Abstract Since 2011, members of Variable Stars South have undertaken intensive time series observations and analysis of eclipsing binary systems, most of which are south of declination -40°. Many of them have not […]

Discovery of Pulsating Components in the Southern Eclipsing Binary Systems AW Velorum, HM Puppis and TT Horologii

Dr David Moriarty was an author on this publication in the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers in 2013 Abstract Eclipsing binary stars with pulsating components are especially valuable for studies of stellar evolution. We have discovered that three eclipsing binary stars in the southern sky have a pulsating component with oscillations […]

Image of TW Cru orbit model

Period Analysis, Photometry and Astrophysical Models of the Eclipsing Binary TW Crucis

Dr David Moriarty was the author on this publication in the Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers in 2015. Abstract TW Crucis is a W-type W UMa contact eclipsing binary that has not been studied in detail since discovery in 1926. During 5 seasons from 2011 to 2015, photometric CCD observations were […]

Model of Motion of the Sun

Keith Treschman published this article in the Australian Science Teachers Association Teaching Science Journal in 2022 Abstract The topic of the seasons is covered in both primary and secondary schools in Australia. It may be difficult for some students to comprehend how the Sun alters its position throughout the year. The following shows how to […]