[vsnet-chat 257] Re: New variable stars, etc.

[Taichi Kato <tkato@kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp>]

   I mostly agree with Dr. Skiff particularly in that the contributions of
active, reliable amateurs should be known and recognized among professionals
(this is one of reasons why we started vsnet), and that there is a good
way for amateurs to publish their own results.  However, my feeling is that
the problem is not that professionals have paid too little attention to
amateur works, nor there have been no practical ways of publishing.
It seems to me what amateurs find comfortable or satisfactory is slightly
different from what prefessionals do.  Many amateurs seem to be unsatisfied
with the customs of scientific publications, in which authors are usually
requested to complete a job from the beginning to the end.  They seem to
rather wish their discovery reports or observations "used" by professionals,
and wish professionals to digest and scientifically interpret the importance
of their discoveries or observations.  This process works well in usual
variable star observing, for which many specialized organizations can handle
them properly.  The solar system objects, discoveries of novae and supernovae
are also lucky because there is a well-established way of amateur's
contribution to science.  The case does not seem to be that for discovering
variable stars, nor timely following-up important stellar events (as a matter
of fact, those important prediscovery observations of Sakurai's object still
have no chance to be published).

   This situation may be, however, unique to Japan, where amateur hunters
have been traditionally requested by professionals not to disseminate their
discovery reports by their own judgements, but to consult some agent
(Tokyo Astronomical Observatory formally took this position).  Considering
how the VSOLJ bulletin is functioning, it looks difficult to change the
present situation merely by reviewing or adding options to the current ways
of publication.  Probably Kiyota-san could play a role in conveying what
are requested to both amateur and professional sides.  I also look forward
to hearing from world-wide amateurs on their thoughts.  I remember I was
once consulted by T. Vanmunster on future media of publication or circulation
of excellent works of VVS Belgium -- probably he could also comment on
his motivation.

Regards,
Taichi Kato

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