Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 12:38:20 -0800
From: Michael Linnolt <linnolt
To: Hubert Hautecler <brhuna
Priority: normal
References: <004701c64904$f864f2e0$bc6fe504
	<7.0.0.10.0.20060316203943.01b1ebf8


In a nutshell, the results were a big fat ZERO. Was unable to recruit any new variable star observers, over a years worth of time. In fact, there were some "old timers" who ran the list who were outright hostile towards my attempts to suggest they take up "scientifically useful" observing! And, I found myself essentially banned from there! It appears they(TAC) believe the role of the amateur should consist of and be limited to:

1. Purchasing the "hottest" new commercial products for testing and use.
2. Attending star parties to show off their expensive equipment and observe faint galaxies.
3. Simply logging the faint objects in Herschel lists or whatever, as an exercise to see how faint they can see.
4. Going on long and expensive trips around the world to find "better" skies, and Oooooh and Aaaaaah about it.
5. Observing unusual new objects comets/supernova/exoplanets but simply looking and talking about it, without any attempt of identifying what scientifically useful information should be acquired or reported.

There is an incredible amount of sophisticated visual and CCD equipment out there in the hands of amateurs, but 99.9% of it appears to be used just for recreational astronomy, or sitting in a garage waiting for a star party. When queried as to WHY they dont consider using it for scientific observing, the most frequent responses I got:

1. I am not a PhD in astronomy, what could I possibly contribute?
2. My equipment is too small or inexpensive to be of any value for science.
3. I didnt know amateurs could contribute anything.
4. I have no idea what to contribute or where to begin.
5. I want to look at "eye candy" and enjoy the sky, not deal with data and computers.
6. Why would astronomers want to communicate with me?
7. I have no idea how to find these variable stars.
8. I have no idea how to measure their brightness.
9. I have never heard of the AAVSO.

So, my dear colleagues, it appears we have a mountain to climb here to recruit new observers! Any ideas?

Mike Linnolt


From: Hubert Hautecler <brhuna
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2006 11:56 am
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2006 11:56 am

> workgroup are all helping the newbies. A startingprogramme, email 
> between observers, even helping observing at a site. The only pity 
> thing is that it is difficult to attract new observers.
> 

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