[vsnet-chat 4995] Re: [vsnet-obs 37562] Eta Carinae is not brighter

[Bish Ishibashi <bish@space.mit.edu>]

Hiya all,

first let me thank all of those who continuously monitor
variable stars, not just eta Carinae. I think many of the 
professionals would agree that your efforts are priceless.

Well so we are not sure whether eta Carinae has actually 
brightened up or not -- no one may not ever be able to 
confirm that definitely -- though all the recent measurements
suggest that it seems to be at its nominal brightness. 
I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of a large amplitude 
fluctuation though for a brief period of time. In any case, 
we'll try to determine what happened here. My philosophy 
is that there is always an explanation for everything we 
see or feel. And we learn from it so that next time (or when 
eta Car actually goes off supernova) we will know exactly 
what we should do. 

Regardless the outcome, eta Carinae is about to face another
predicted event phase in the year 2003.5. So it is crucial 
that we professionals have your -- every one of you -- input
on how the star is behaving. So the hunting season is STILL 
open. And do not hesitate to contact me if you would see 
something strange or peculiar. We are [ok, at least I am] always 
here to listen to you. 

Good work, people!

Bish Ishibashi from American Astronomical Society Meeting in D.C.

-- 

"Bish" K. Ishibashi, Ph.D. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Center for Space Research                 e  bish@space.mit.edu
77 Massachusetts Ave. NE80-6011           
Cambridge, MA 02139

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