[vsnet-newvar 694] [vsnet-id 316] 'Q' numbers of 'The Astronomer'

[Guy M Hurst <guy@tahq.demon.co.uk>]

In message <200012241548.AAA03313@ceres.kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp>, Taichi
Kato <tkato@kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp> writes
>TA variables
>
>   There have been a number of cases when new variable stars reported
>by our colleagues (i.e. Japanese observers) were incidentally found to
>be identified with these 'Q' designations.  Some observers have reported
>their observations using 'Q' designations, instead of assigning their
>own new codes.  Does your explanation mean this treatment should be
>avoided?  Indeed these identifications are very incomplete (because of
>the lack of the complete 'Q' list available), and there is always a chance
>some 'Q'-designated objects are called with thses names and sometimes not
>just simply depending whether I happen to know the particular 'Q' designation.
>Admitted we should abondon using these 'Q'-based designations, the majority
>of ambiguity vanishes.

The whole point of logging 'Q' numbers is to help us at the headquarters
of 'The Astronomer' keep track of all discovery claims reported to us
from around the world (including Japan!) particularly as sometimes we
receive three or more in one night! 

It should also be borne in mind that the 'Q' numbering system is not
restricted to new variables but potential discoveries of comets,
asteroids, novae, supernovae etc. 

By definition, 'Q' numbers are NOT designations and we do NOT publish
them (nor do we intend to do so) since the vast majority of such claims
are false alarms. I would much appreciate it if you could avoid logging
observations with 'Q' numbers.

However where, later, a variable star receives a 'TAV' or TASV'
designation, the chart issued does have a footnote commenting on the 'Q'
number but a clear designation at the top so the correct reporting name
seems perfectly unambiguous.   

I am very concerned that some observers may be using 'Q' numbers in
preference to either the 'TAV' and 'TASV' designations or indeed names
assigned by the GCVS team. However I would not wish this issue to get
out of proportion as the number of such objects on your earlier list was
about 5 whereas over 3,000 'Q' objects have been logged since I became
editor in 1975!

Please let me know the names of contributors sending in 'Q' stars and I
will endeavour to contact them to advise on the correct star names.

Kind regards,
Guy M Hurst
Editor
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