[vsnet-chat 768] Re: [ASTR} SN, Novae comet reports

[Lew Gramer <dedalus@latrade.com>]

> I really think that David Levy deserves to receive an apology. 
> Jan Hers
> Sedgefield, South Africa  (ex Johannesburg Observatory)

I appreciate your point of view (and your experience), Jan. But perhaps we disagree here less than you think. I would wager that if you had been privy to the exchange of messages (to which Dr. Marsden was party) which ended the original "ISN" mailing list, the import of Levy's article (and the willful misconceptions contained in it) might be clearer to you, and you might find yourself on "the other side of the fence" after all.

Coincidentally, my understanding is that Mr. Levy himself was surprised when he was finally informed of the details of the original ISN exchange: apparently his editorial was strictly in reaction to some comments made to him by Dr. Marsden. In light of further information, however, there is some indication that he was less convinced of his own position than before.

Regardless of whether this is true or not, my personal view is that the Internet community of amateur supernova hunters are actually the parties deserving of an apology, particularly in light of the recent (and regrettably wholly avoidable) fiasco over "1997 XF11". No one is to "blame" for that incident: however, it does cast an interesting light on this debate.

Clear skies, and happy hunting!
Lew Gramer
amateur observer

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