[vsnet-chat 1338] Re: Designation of new variable stars

[bas@lowell.Lowell.Edu (Brian Skiff)]

     I suppose the situation is analogous to the preliminary designations 
assigned to asteroids, and the system used by the ARI in the earlier years
of this century, whereby variables were given a serial number with the year
attached as they were announced in the "Astronomische Nachrichten" until
such time as a permanent variable-star name was assigned.  This system
was found necessary because many announced variables turned out not to be
so upon further observation (many remain in the NSV catalogue), whereas now
the main problem is the need for a temporary name for immediate follow-up
observations.
     The 1s/0'.1 bins provide for some 150 million discrete locations on
the sky---not enough for temporary use?!

\Brian

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