An efficient record-keeping system is a necessity, and observers have devised many different kinds. Some enter all the observations for the night in a logbook and later copy them on to data sheets for individual stars. Others keep a record sheet for each star at the telescope. Still others enter their observations directly into their computers. No matter what system is adopted, one must not be influenced by previous estimates and should carefully check all records for accuracy.
Most observers use a desk or table to hold charts, record sheets, and other equipment.
Many have also constructed a shelter or cover over it to keep things from blowing away in the wind and free of dew. A shielded red light, which does not effect night-vision, is useful for illuminating the charts. Star Charts Locating a variable star is a learned skill. We urge our observers to use these charts in order to avoid the conflict that can arise when magnitudes for the same comparison star are derived from different sets of charts. This could result in two different values of variation being recorded for the same star on the same night.