American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)

The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) is an international non-profit organization whose mission is: to observe and analyze variable stars; to collect and archive observations for worldwide access; to forge strong collaborations between amateur and professional astronomers; and to promote scientific research and education using variable star data.

The AAVSO website is a wealth of information on variable stars, their types, characteristics and the research being done on them. You can plot light curves of stars in the AAVSO database, or just check the most recent data in the quick look files. 

 Light curve of the unusual star KR Aurigae

Since the founding in 1911, the people of the AAVSO have propelled the field of variable stars forward. That is the true strength and genius of the AAVSO. The members and observers who have propelled variable star science and astronomy forward by their participation and collaborations.