[Aavso-photometry] Some Random thoughts RE Am Her Observation Request

[Tim Crawford]

Some Random thoughts RE Am Her Observation Request

Given the Declination of this object, and more on
point, the times that the amateur community is being
asked to make observations I suspect that there are
not many contributing observers who will fall within
this window.

While I realize that there are probably a lot of very
complex issues involved with professional use of
equipment, i.e. the satellite XMM Newton, I have to
wonder if any advance consideration of amateur support
was factored into the professional teams planning.  I
do realize that it could very well be that it was but
the chosen observing windows were necessary because of
other constraints.

Additionally, it crosses my mind that if HQ was able
to include observers latitude and longitude into their
observer data base then it would be much easier FOR HQ
to then work with those observers who would, in
theory, fall within the window of an objects location
and the UT time observations  requested for from third
parties.   OK
 maybe a bit of a programming challenge
but I bet a doable one. 

In fact, with a study of the lat and lon of observers
it would be easier to identify were serious gaps in
world wide coverage of targets is
.then maybe, and it
is a big maybe, when the gaps are well identified it
might be possible to try and locate observers in those
areas, though the collective efforts of all of the
membership
. It is increasingly getting to be a
smaller and smaller world as technology and increased
interaction between peoples of different countries
continue to shrink it.  Although I suspect that HQ is
pretty much already well aware of where there are gaps
in observer coverage’s
. AND, if they do then maybe
some noise should be made about it and see if the
collective membership might not be able to close some
of those coverage gaps though friends and friends of
friends, etc
.

Anyway
.. as I said some random thoughts 
.. and maybe
some food for thought for others.

Cloudy weather allows for the formation of Random
thoughts that might otherwise pass  un-noticed
.. ;   
)
. Although my hopes are still strong for tonight
(Thursday). 

CS


Tim Crawford CTX
Arch Cape Observatory

http://homepage.mac.com/windwalker1/ACObserv.htm