[vsnet-chat 1757] Re: [AAVSO-DIS] Program planning

[Taichi Kato <tkato>]

Dear Brian,

> (If there was a "meritorious
> service award" in astronomy, Taichi Kato would be at the top of my list to
> receive it!)

   Thank you very much (a "unrewarding service award" :-) for me, but I'd
like to cite this phrase for VSNET colleagues, with all of whom we must
share any, if any, kind of award.

   Although VSNET is well-adapted to transient objects, many members have
regular contributions to long-period variables and discoveries of new
variables stars.  There have been proposals to create a space to specially
deal with short-perio variables and eclipsing binaries from some members.
We've already had an experience of long run of the persuit of V1147 Cyg,
and we may have chance to undertake a new forum if there will be sufficient
number of volunteers.

   Speaking of "program stars", from an experience as an amateur astronomer,
observers may tend to prefer to have their own "program stars", or creating
a program itself rather than following the existing prescribed programs
(or was I special?)  Considering the number of independent observing
programs among various variable star organizations and groups (e.g. there
have been at least several campaigns in RV Tau stars, short-period W UMa
stars, including the ones in Japan), the program creating may be more
attractive and motive than the program itself.  Some groups may undertake
programs ignorant of other group's programs, but I believe this
redundancy is not a waste of effort as the whole variable star community.
This partly explains why VSNET haven't had a prescribed list of "targets
of the date" (yes, discussions on the "most wanted list" is always welcome!)

   There have been a slightly regrettable aspect of data publishing in
amateur variable star observing.  Almost all researches in this area are
literature-based, even nominating a new variable star.  This has been an
obstacle to many amateur observers, which has made a number of important
discoveries and observations left in obscurity.  Something may be wrong
if discoveries or important data can only be published with absolute
necessity of energetic professionals.  The apparent lack of energetic
sponsors other than CVs or SNe may be an exemplification of this long-lasting
problem in the variable star research.

Regards,
Taichi Kato

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