> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aavso.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aavso.org/overview-1.md).

# Overview

This is the official API for accessing resources from the AAVSO, including observational data, user accounts, and campaigns.

### Getting Started

To start using the API, you need to obtain an API key. You can get your token by logging into your account and navigating to the settings page.

### Usage

Include your API token in the `Authorization` header of your requests as follows: `Authorization: Token <your-api-token>`.

Please limit requests to no more than once every 10 seconds. If you need to make more frequent requests, please [contact us](https://www.aavso.org/contact/).

### Support

For help, extra usage, or special requests, please [contact us](https://www.aavso.org/contact/).


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# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.aavso.org/overview-1.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.