[Aavso-photometry] new comparison star database

[arne]

Here are some issues that will arise with the revised
photometry, and some suggested solutions.

(1) Stars on a given chart with the same label.  This will
happen due to two reasons: overlapping sequences (two variables
on the same chart which might have had identical-magnitude
stars in the two sequences), and revised photometry converging
two close-magnitude stars.  For example, two stars on a chart
might have had labels 113 and 111, and after photometry revision,
they both become 112.  In the past, we solved this problem by
indicating the offset direction from the target star, such
as 112W or 112NE.  For now, I suggest that if two stars have
the same label, use the star closest to the target if possible,
and if there is a possibility of confusion, indicate in the
comment field (not the compstar field) the offset direction.
Then, let HQ know that there is a problem with this field
(an email to vspcharts - att aavso.org will do), and we will remove
one of the two stars (you might give us some guidance as to
which should be removed).

(2) For CCD observers, the CCD box does not have coordinates.
This means if two stars are labelled 112, you cannot easily
decide which of the two stars corresponds to a given set of
magnitudes.  I'd suggest looking at the optional photometry
table (a checkbox at the bottom of the form says "Do not
plot a chart, just give me a table of photometry".  That
table gives the coordinates so that you can uniquely identify
the two stars.

(3) I've noticed that the fill-in form has some weirdnesses.
If you just use the name, and not the location, everything works
fine - you can plot charts and get photometry tables.  If you
fill in coordinates with no name, you also can plot charts
and get photometry tables.  If you enter name *and* coordinates,
then the current system will plot charts using the name, but
give photometry table based on the coordinates.  The cookie
setup tends to leave old coordinates there on your next visit
to the form, so you can end up with some strange output unless
you explicitly clear out the coordinates on the next use.

Any bug will be fixed as time permits, so bear with us (but be
sure to let us know through Bugzilla when you find a bug).
Arne