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From the DirectorJanet A. Mattei
This year at Headquarters we received the 10th millionth observation submitted to the AAVSO database; we streamlined and automated the submission of incoming observations; updated our MS-DOS and web-based data entry software, and released a new program for Mac and Microsoft Windows users; developed a Windows version of our plotting and editing software ZAP; developed a Windows version of the HOAFUN program for Hands-On Astrophysics; upgraded our web and FTP sites, first to DSL and later to a T1 line; upgraded our file server and database to a Linux file server; expanded our Internet presence through hardware and software upgrades, and other improvements; made our webserver secure for credit card transaction information; added capability to batch-upload large numbers of CCD observations; published and distributed a revised Manual for Visual Observing of Variable Stars; published and distributed a CD-ROM of all AAVSO charts; added an on-line chart search engine to our website; automated the chart-making process; brought the publication of the JAAVSO up-to-date; added 15 years of JAAVSO articles to the NASA/Astrophysics Data Systems (ADS); responded to a record high number of requests for AAVSO data; started two new electronic publications for observers: “CCD Views” and “i>Eyepiece Views”; received grants from NASA, Research For Astrophysics, the Curry Foundation, and the American Astronomical Society. In the previous Newsletter, I expanded on some of the items above, here are more specifics: INTERNET PRESENCE — AAVSO website Features to help observers such as individual pages on novae or rare events like the outburst of WZ Sge, educational tools, features of interest to members, and many of the AAVSO publications are now on-line. The Quick Look files are enhanced, and the Light Curve Generator is optimized. We have taken several security measures in response to the number of high profile security problems in the Internet. We have upgraded our security by setting up a firewall on each server, and by continuing to mirror and back-up our archives every night. In addition, very important files are never placed in the network. In June we setup a secure web server which encrypts data coming to and from it over the Internet. Paying online when you apply for membership seems to be much more convenient for new members in particular. We have seen a 40% increase in new member sign ups since we began accepting payment online. Below are some web site statistics for October 2000–October 2001: On the average, 6,155 pages per day—or 1 every 15 seconds—are downloaded from our website. In the last two years this number has increased more than six fold. Everyday, 322 persons—or 1 person every 4 minutes—visit our web site. On the average, 181 Megabytes of material (more than double since last year) are downloaded from our web site each day. Nearly 42,000 light curves (115 light curves per day) have been plotted, with SS Cyg, Mira, and U Gem being the most popular ones. About 2,990 charts are downloaded per day—the rate has tripled in the last half of the year. We continue to expand, improve, and update our web site every day. More is to come in the New Year. We hope you are enjoying the benefits of our new T1 line and enjoy surfing our web! OBSERVATIONS We had a milestone in the AAVSO International Database: our 10th millionth observation, made by Miroslav Komorous (London, Ontario, Canada) with his observation of 0152+54 U Per JD2451840.6222 10.2 (October 23.1222, 2000 UT). In addition we have had very productive contributions to our various Committees: Eclipsing Binary and RR Lyr stars observations: 33,539 by 104 observers; CCD observations: 57,046 by 60 observers; Photoelectric photometry (PEP) observations: 2,460 by 20 observers; Supernova Search observations: 2,389 searches by 4 observers. REQUESTS FOR AAVSO DATA We have provided data support for ground-based observations made at observatories such as Kitt Peak National Observatory and South African Astronomical Observatory, and with satellites such as Hubble Space Telescope, FUSE, Chandra, and XMM. AAVSO data have been used in the following areas: Data analysis (26%); Multiwavelength data correlation (20%); Scheduling of observing runs with ground-based telescopes or instruments aboard space satellites (16%); Simultaneous observations (12%); Reference material for articles (15%); Educational (9%); and IAU Circulars (2%). The types of variable stars for which data have been requested are: long period variables—Mira and semiregular (51%); cataclysmic variables—dwarf nova, nova, nova-like, supernova (40%); other—symbiotic, R CrB, eclipsing binary, RR Lyrae, RV Tau, BL Lac, and cepheids (9%). AAVSO observations of rare stellar behaviour and on novae continued to be published in the IAU Circulars. This year AAVSO observations on the following stars appeared in the IAU Circulars (IAUC): SW Ursae Majoris (IAUC 7365); Z Andromedae (IAUC 7489); R Coronae Borealis (IAUC 7543); RZ Leonis (IAU C 7547); AL Comae Berenices (IAUC 7629); Nova Aquilae 2001 (IAUC 7632); BL Lacertae (IAUC 7665)WZ Sagittae (IAUC 7669); Nova Sagittarii 2001 No. 2 (IAUC 7692). In addition, 12 articles in which I am either the author or the co-author representing the AAVSO have been published in various astronomical journals and books this year. A full list is in my Powerpoint presentation and will also appear in JAAVSO Vol. 30, No. 2. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION The recipient for the Director’s award this year is Steve O’Connor for his unique and dedicated contributions to special observing programs, particularly with FUSE and Chandra satellites, and for his untiring voluntary work in checking AAVSO charts. This award was presented to Steve at the Annual meeting, at his request. At the Annual Meeting we presented the following nova awards: Alfredo Pereira (visual discovery of 2 novae); Robert Evans (visual discovery of a supernova); Berto Monard (visual discovery of a supernova); Brett White (visual discovery of a supernova). The William Tyler Olcott Award was presented to Leif Robinson for his promotion of variable stars and for his commitment to professional amateur collaboration. Recently more minor planets have been named in honor of AAVSO members: Martha Hazen—No. 10024; Yasuo Hirasawa—No. 4799; Michel Verdenet—No. 25625; Winston Wilkerson—No. 16797. LOOKING FORWARD The autobiography of Dorrit Hoffleit; Dorrit, who will be celebrating her 95th Birthday March 12, 2002, has just completed her autobiography. It is a wonderful account of her fascinating life. We expect to published in time for her birthday. We are working hard to prepare the revised chart CD that will include hundreds of revised charts, charts in the PEP and eclipsing binary and RR Lyrae programs. We are preparing for publication the much anticipated proceedings of our Spring meeting in Sion, Switzerland. We are getting ready for our Pan-Pacific Spring meeting, to be followed by the second High Energy Astrophysics Workshop for Amateur Astronomers in Hawaii—June 30 to July 6th, 2002. All of us at AAVSO Headquarters are proud to be serving you, our members, observes, and colleagues around the world. We thank each and every one of you for your support and contributions, and wish you and your loved ones a year of Happiness, Peace, and Fulfillment. — Janet |
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To each and every one of you I send warm greetings and best wishes for a Happy, Peaceful, and Fruitful New Year! I am delighted to share with you some highlights from my Annual Report. An audio version and a Powerpoint presentation of my Annual Report as presented at the Annual meeting are also posted on our website. It will be published in full in JAAVSO, Vol. 30, No.2. 
