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
- The Berenice & Arthur Page Medal
- The 2022 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal – The BOSS team
- The 2018 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal – Professor David Moriarty
- The 2016 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal – Dr Roy Axelsen
- The 2014 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal – Tim Napier-Munn
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
- Calculation of Solar Motion for Localities in the USA
- Measurement of some neglected southern multiple stars in Pavo
- Measurement of some neglected southern multiple stars in Dorado and Pictor
- Measurement of 24 southern multiple stars
- Analysis of Errors in the Measurement of Double Stars Using Imaging and the Reduc Software
- Measurement of Two Long Neglected Southern Multiple Stars
- Measurement of nine neglected southern multiple stars including two possible anomalies
- Measurement of 17 southern multiple systems
- Measurement of multiple star system in Norma
- Measurement of neglected southern multiple stars – two listed pairs and a possible new pair
- Astronomical Association of Queensland Measurement of Seven Neglected Southern Multiple Stars
- Astronomical Association of Queensland 2016 programme – Measurements of nine neglected southern multiple stars
- Blue Star Observatory measurement of twenty neglected southern multiple stars
- Real science for the time poor amateur – The study of Double Stars from the Southern Hemisphere
- Digital single lens photometry in white light: a new concept tested on data from the high amplitude δ Scuti star V703 Scorpii
- The high amplitude δ Scuti star AD Canis Minoris
- Recently refined periods for the high amplitude δ Scuti stars V1338 Centauri, V1430 Scorpii, and V1307 Scorpii
- Recently determined light elements for the δ Scuti star ZZ Microscopii
- EQ Eridani, a multiperiodic δ Scuti star
- Methods for O-C (observed minus computed) diagrams and for the determination of light elements of variable stars with linear and second order polynomial ephemerides.
- Current light elements of the δ Scuti star V393 Carinae
- New light elements for the high amplitude δ Scuti star RS Gruis
- New light elements for the high amplitude δ Scuti star BS Aquarii
- Gravitational waves as a test of general relativity
- Solar motion from Australia
- Starspots on the Active Young Solar-Type Star AH Lep
- Early Astronomical Tests of General Relativity: the anomalous advance in the perihelion of Mercury and gravitational redshift
- Early astronomical tests of General Relativity: the gravitational deflection of light
- Recent astronomical tests of general relativity
- General Relativity support from the double pulsar
- General Relativity in Australian Newspapers: The 1919 and 1922 Solar Eclipse Expeditions