[vsnet-chat 4779] Re: 160,000+ measurements of WZ Sge a record?

[erik kuulkers <erikk@sron.nl>]

Dear Brian,

> On Tue, 28 Aug 2001, Brian Skiff wrote:
>      I would argue that a press release would be salutary if only as a
> counteractive to the "big science" (often non-science) blurbs.  Rather
> than claiming some extreme, I would highlight the global-ness of it, and
> at least the near-equality of the amateur and professional observers (or even
> that the whole has been largely amateur-driven), lots of backyard
> telescopes, and the indispensable coordinating role provided by vsnet (and
> the seemingly indefatigable Kato-san!).  Add in a few quotes from the
> far-flung participants and sent it out!

I agree that the amateurs are invaluable in doing the observations of WZ
Sge (as well as many others!) and are certainly contributing to lot of new
phenomenologies in e.g. the WZ Sge stars. However, I must say that it is
not "largely amateur-driven". Lots of professionals are taking part too
(and do not report to VSNET), see e.g. the website by Steeghs. This
regards optical/IR photometry and spectroscopy (loads of spectra are being
taken), even some radio observations, as well as space based observations
with RXTE, Chandra, HST, FUSE, etc. I would say that amateurs and
professionals together provide such an amazing data set, which gives us
years and years to ponder about...

Regards,

Erik

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