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Re: chart problems (was: More and more and more .)
> [...]
> Besides wrong identifications, the confussion of Hp and V magnitudes, the
> use of variable stars that could be worked out with some research and a lack
> of priorities regarding the accuracy of the different catalogues is also a
> mater of concern.
> Hipparcos and Tycho-2 are included as if they were equally accurate and for
> most of the stars with Hipparcos (and PEP from the ground) data availbale,
> those data weren't used.
> [...]
Having seen this kind of confusion so many times, I see there is a need
for some sort of accrediting system (though I don't want to mean
an authorization system, but I am inclined to provide some "self-check"
points) for chart makers. The similar things would be valid for authors of
astronomy software packages (e.g. star plotting software, photometry software
etc.).
[Things should be considered before any eyepiece check or release]
* Do you correctly recognize the difference between Hp and V magnitude?
* Do you correctly recognize the influence of color index on visual
photometry?
* Do you correctly recognize the limitation of Hipparcos/Tycho photometry?
* Do you correctly recognize the limitation of the GCVS?
* Do you correctly recognize the limitation of the GSC?
* Can you discern primary and secondary catalogs?
* Can you discern catalogs which should be avoided?
* What sources or catalogs of photometry can you use?
* Have you been carefully following the recent information of the target
objects from various sources of information, including electronic
discussion groups?
* Do you have sufficient astronomical understanding of the target objects?
* Do you know alternative methods to check the correct identifications
of certain variable stars?
* How many methods do you use to exclude potentially variable objects
from comparison stars?
* What method do you use to exclude duplicity-induced potential errors
for comparison stars?
* What criterion do you use to confirm that the sequence selection
is adequate for observers?
* What kind of efforts for charts do you make to avoid observer's errors?
* Can you be careful enough to check as many thinkable points as one can?
* Do you have sufficient time to regularly undertake the above jobs?
[Follow-up]
* Do you maintain the backlog system for recording past errors?
* Can you promptly respond to requested corrections?
* What kind of continous improvement of the quality are you trying to
make?
* What action do you take if there is a complaints in your charts,
or delayed updating process? Make an excuse or something else?
[Any additions are welcome]
Regards,
Taichi Kato
Return to the Powerful Daisaku Nogami
vsnet-adm@kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp
