Background at http://www.aavso.org/chat-transcript-waavso-president-dr-mario-motta ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2011-12-01T20:01:02 Well it seems like it is 8pm... 2011-12-01T20:01:08 Mario is "marioMMX" 2011-12-01T20:01:18 I am here 2011-12-01T20:01:18 eastern time 2011-12-01T20:01:32 This is a good turnout for a chat.. 2011-12-01T20:01:46 So was the Red giant in the Clarke book a Mira variable? 2011-12-01T20:01:49 Mario took over as AAVSO president at the last annual meeting. He'll serve a 2-year term. 2011-12-01T20:02:20 Sentence? 2011-12-01T20:02:25 The floor is open for questions and comments... 2011-12-01T20:02:26 look forward to the challange 2011-12-01T20:03:01 Mario, my wife still talks about your cardo/light curve presentation at the banquet... she loved it 2011-12-01T20:03:24 thanks, good to not take oneself too seriously 2011-12-01T20:03:31 yep 2011-12-01T20:03:34 So, Mario, what are the big challenges in the next couple of years? 2011-12-01T20:04:01 (for background: Mario's Bio: http://www.aavso.org/aavso-president-mario-motta) 2011-12-01T20:04:10 *** AAVSOMember56 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:04:17 my opinion... getting the surveys up and running, and coordinating the new observing requests and opportubities that will provide 2011-12-01T20:04:22 Mario-cardo/light curv presentation. Did you present aivr rhythm as a light curve? 2011-12-01T20:05:11 I compared and matched variable star light curves to human abnormal rhythms for fun 2011-12-01T20:05:41 that is on ustream still, Aaron? 2011-12-01T20:05:50 scarry how similar they are.. could be a basis for a science fiction book 2011-12-01T20:06:23 I believe that talk predates our recording of meetings… that was Waltham right? 2002 or 2003? 2011-12-01T20:06:54 he gave it this Fall, too 2011-12-01T20:06:56 Hmmm original was way back then, but updated and gave at our annual 100th 2011-12-01T20:07:05 Mario, what kind of new observing requests are you expecting? 2011-12-01T20:07:14 oh yeah… we should have it. 2011-12-01T20:07:34 Yes. I have seen some some blocks that look uncannily like Z Cam standstills and Miras that look like sustained v-tach 2011-12-01T20:07:47 I suspect strongly that the surveys will find many new variables, and that the unusual ones will be an opprtunity to do new science 2011-12-01T20:08:13 We only broadcasted a few special talks.. but Doc may have recorded the others. I'll ask. 2011-12-01T20:08:20 Mario, I for one would like to thank you for your previous Council Service and your Time and effort devoted to your new Office! 2011-12-01T20:08:24 *** AAVSOMember26 has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:08:29 Yes, dave. I have shown variable star curves at medical meetings, and completely fooled physicans 2011-12-01T20:08:54 thank you Tim, it is an honor to serve the AAVSO 2011-12-01T20:10:09 Mario, I am a Doctor Too .-) 2011-12-01T20:10:22 Surgeon 2011-12-01T20:10:34 anyone planning on seeing the annular eclipse May 20, before the spring meeting? 2011-12-01T20:10:43 yup 2011-12-01T20:11:13 Hi Salvador, back 400 years being a physican and an astronomer was very common. We are upholding a very old tradition! 2011-12-01T20:11:16 I have planns in Nevada: Venus Transit and solar/lunar eclipses 2011-12-01T20:12:22 Arne who was the Pediatrician that discovered the U Sco outburst? 2011-12-01T20:12:33 *** MatthewTMT has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:12:35 in Florida 2011-12-01T20:12:35 Mario, when you joined the council as an officer, was there anything that surprised you (that you can talk about)? 2011-12-01T20:12:40 Barbara Harris 2011-12-01T20:12:53 obstetric 2011-12-01T20:13:01 GO 2011-12-01T20:13:18 Do you mean back in 1996 as a counsilor, or recently as an officer? 2011-12-01T20:13:19 *** AAVSOMember56 has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:13:31 recently.. but back then would be interesting as well. 2011-12-01T20:13:34 Barbara Harris is Ginecology and retired 2011-12-01T20:14:31 Hmmm.. not sure anything surprised me, been through council before. so knew the trouble I was getting in 2011-12-01T20:14:40 :) 2011-12-01T20:15:35 Mario, has the issue of the AAVSO name tinkering or changing been laid to rest, again, I hope? 2011-12-01T20:15:55 Maybe the amount of new survey planning. Did not realize how extensive and advanced we were becoming 2011-12-01T20:16:12 *** AAVSOMember54 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:16:17 I do not think we should change the name, I vote stay the same 2011-12-01T20:16:20 *** FrankSFRA has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:16:31 :-) 2011-12-01T20:16:31 *** AAVSOMember54 has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:16:48 *** TimSYO has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:16:56 AAVSO already has an international reputation, so what would be gained? there is something to be said for stability 2011-12-01T20:17:15 *** AAVSOMember68 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:17:30 Agree 2011-12-01T20:17:47 Would the State of Mass allow a name change like that to the charter anyway? 2011-12-01T20:18:06 It can be done legally, but why?? 2011-12-01T20:18:15 Exactly 2011-12-01T20:19:15 I think it would have the opposite effect from what was intended 2011-12-01T20:19:21 To be devil's advocate… the "American" brand is not in high standing in the world. As a staff member, I have received more than one e-mail from people who don't like it and have stopped contributing because of it. 2011-12-01T20:19:49 Interesting... another angle 2011-12-01T20:19:52 I'm not saying that to reflect MY position, just trying to offer the other side of the argument, which I do think has some merit 2011-12-01T20:20:20 We are not a political organization. As a scientific organization, I would hope those type of issues are irrelevant 2011-12-01T20:20:35 The question is whether a name change alone would solve that problem, without introducing others… I doubt it. 2011-12-01T20:20:51 No matter how hard you try, there is no way you can please all the people all the time... as previously noted 2011-12-01T20:21:01 Frankly- Aaron-Small minded people. In any case it takes away from the main effort- observing and archiving the data 2011-12-01T20:21:24 the data base is an intenational collaboration 2011-12-01T20:21:34 I think that the AAVSO presenting itself as the international organization for variable stars has a certain arrogance that won't improve the "American brand" 2011-12-01T20:22:11 won'>wouldn't 2011-12-01T20:22:22 won't>wouldn>t 2011-12-01T20:22:28 I give up 2011-12-01T20:22:38 I agree.. I think actions speak louder than words. Hence one reason we are making more of an effort to put things out in other languages. And Arne has a very high profile at international meetings - him going over there, showing that we value their feedback. Shuttle diplomacy, if you will. 2011-12-01T20:22:42 never saw a typist stutter like that :) 2011-12-01T20:23:37 they understand our strengths; they just want proper credit and recognition on their end 2011-12-01T20:23:38 another topic…. Mario: You once got a light pollution bill passed by the MA house and senate right? 2011-12-01T20:23:45 we have excellent relations with other national variable groups, eg british, new Zealand, german, etc etc. thats what counts 2011-12-01T20:24:22 Yes.. but it never got signed by the governor in time, so.. it dies.. ARRGH 2011-12-01T20:24:35 That governor was Romney right? 2011-12-01T20:24:43 right now we have about 45 towns/cities with local ordinances 2011-12-01T20:24:59 the other 5 NE states all have passed LP laws however 2011-12-01T20:25:56 *** TimSYO has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:25:57 Yes, was not actually his fault. A state senator (Lee) form springfield held it up. I finally reached him, he released the bill... but never made it out in time 2011-12-01T20:27:17 *** AAVSOMember78 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:27:18 I have a 35 page paper on medical effects of LP, to be presented at the annual AMA meeting in June, will be published, hopefully will give this a push 2011-12-01T20:27:46 This dude? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Lees 2011-12-01T20:27:58 he's not around anymore… what about trying again? 2011-12-01T20:28:30 *** DaveLDJ has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:28:31 Bill is in play as we speak. Senator Creem Newton prime sponsor, bruce Tarr other sponsor 2011-12-01T20:29:05 nice.. let us know when we should start writing/calling/etc. 2011-12-01T20:29:14 absolutely 2011-12-01T20:30:06 Mario, any time left in your life for observing? 2011-12-01T20:30:20 I should say day 2011-12-01T20:30:36 I have to make time... but yes, that is important! 2011-12-01T20:31:13 good night observing, and I can forget those #@@$% politicians 2011-12-01T20:31:43 Here's a list of recommended fixtures http://www.darksky.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=684 I've got the hospital I'm employed at to start replacing our old original Hg's with some of these 2011-12-01T20:32:30 Wow, good work! I am a board member currently of thcts committeee IDA actually, and head the medical effe 2011-12-01T20:33:01 meant: board member IDA, head of medical effects committee 2011-12-01T20:33:38 Mario, what other Massachusetts organizations are involved in the Dark Sky bill? Mass Audubon seems a natural partner. (I am a supporter of Mass Audubon.) 2011-12-01T20:34:15 *** FrankSFRA has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:34:21 They have been very helpful. they helped me pass the local gloucetser ordinance, and always are supportive at the state level 2011-12-01T20:34:38 Sierra club also on board 2011-12-01T20:35:14 The Mass municipal association (mayors of all the towns) also support. You would think that would be enough! 2011-12-01T20:35:23 MArio- do you have architectural organizations like AIAA aboard? 2011-12-01T20:35:44 Rick Huziak got the Cypress Hills dark sky preserve passed by focusing on the ornithology effects, he never mentioned astronomy once. He said once you mentioned that, the politicians and bureaucrats tune you out. But photos of dead birds around casino lights did it. 2011-12-01T20:36:21 Kelly Beatty has connections with an archtectural group.. they helped draft parts of the bill, I am having a Perry moment, do not recall the name 2011-12-01T20:36:26 *** AAVSOMember78 has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:36:51 Mass Audubon has been opposed to the Casino bill in part because of light pollution. 2011-12-01T20:37:46 yes, polticians do not care about astronomy. Stress saving money with full cutoffs, safer lights with cutt offs, saving money, birds, saving money, environment, saving money 2011-12-01T20:38:11 AAron. True enough. In my case though it was the same ground illumination with lower wattage that did it. Also the new fixtures cost less than replacing the old pole-top Hg ballasts+ globe 2011-12-01T20:38:29 *** MikeSXN has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:38:55 correct. Simple concept. use full shieded lights, so the original wasted light all goes down, now can cut wattage by 40% 2011-12-01T20:39:46 yes, Mass auduban very good on this issue 2011-12-01T20:40:26 How did you meet Janet, if you were not into variables yet? 2011-12-01T20:40:28 *** TimSYO has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:41:38 Mike Mattei and I were both in the ATMOB. Met janet, and she leaned on me to do variables with my observatory (1985, had 16 inch scope then 2011-12-01T20:42:00 *** FrankSFRA has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:42:17 *** TimSYO has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:42:38 She could be "persuasive" so to speak 2011-12-01T20:42:53 yep 2011-12-01T20:43:17 we all have "Janet" bruises.. :) 2011-12-01T20:44:14 *** TimSYO has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:44:45 well you saved her husband's life at a star party. :) 2011-12-01T20:45:32 Mike is melodramatic. he went into rapid afib, he would have lived. Just get him better faster with a cardioversion at the local hospital 2011-12-01T20:46:01 *** MikeCMJA has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:46:14 Did you once organize a star party in Africa? 2011-12-01T20:46:33 *** Doctorwho has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:46:49 Hi All! 2011-12-01T20:47:14 I went to the 2001 eclipse in Zambia, had a group go with me. Then a part of that group went to South Africa game preserve, did some observing there as well 2011-12-01T20:47:15 *** AAVSOMember69 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:48:08 *** DocKQR has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:48:19 *** Rob has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:48:52 Does anyone have any questions for Mario or Arne? 2011-12-01T20:48:59 yes 2011-12-01T20:49:04 I got one. 2011-12-01T20:49:48 *** Rob has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:49:56 I am tracking the brightness variance of the XX Cyg. It is not listed as a RR Lyrae star in the RR Lyrae database. 2011-12-01T20:50:20 Arne question 2011-12-01T20:50:31 My question: Is it a RR Lyrae star then? 2011-12-01T20:50:50 According to VSX, it's an SX Phoenicis star. 2011-12-01T20:51:06 ok 2011-12-01T20:51:21 *** RobKBJ has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:51:27 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SX_Phoenicis_variable 2011-12-01T20:51:30 Similar behavior, different evolutionary stages. 2011-12-01T20:51:51 neat light curve, though 2011-12-01T20:51:59 ok 2011-12-01T20:52:02 cool 2011-12-01T20:52:06 the SX Phe stars have bumps and wiggles 2011-12-01T20:52:06 Thanks! 2011-12-01T20:52:22 We have about 8 minutes left w/Mario... 2011-12-01T20:52:26 *** AAVSOMember68 has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:52:30 Any last comments or questions? 2011-12-01T20:52:38 Also I have a general question-does the AAVSO offer any REUs for undergraduate students? 2011-12-01T20:52:54 I am going to teach astronomy to Tufts university freshman, non majors. I plan one class on stellar evolution, and thus variable stars 2011-12-01T20:53:21 *** TimSYO has quit IRC 2011-12-01T20:53:32 Not right now, but it is a goal we have spoken about often. We need to find a university partner. 2011-12-01T20:53:44 ok 2011-12-01T20:53:49 We do have a summer student program, though. What school are you at? 2011-12-01T20:54:12 Minnesota State University at Moorhead 2011-12-01T20:54:41 now I feel better observing in "warm" massachusetts.. :) 2011-12-01T20:54:44 *** AAVSOMember22 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:54:58 Ah, I know Dr. Juan! 2011-12-01T20:54:58 Lol 2011-12-01T20:55:07 cool 2011-12-01T20:55:11 Fun guy... 2011-12-01T20:55:16 He is. 2011-12-01T20:55:37 Am taking stellar astrophysics this semester with him. 2011-12-01T20:56:26 Thanks for the information though. AAVSO should arrange chat session more often. 2011-12-01T20:56:28 Send me an e-mail (aaronp@aavso.org) so we can get in touch and talk more.. 2011-12-01T20:56:36 Sure. :) 2011-12-01T20:57:29 Doctorwho, Chat is open 24/7 and you will generally find Arne here in the afternoons at some point 2011-12-01T20:57:50 well, early evening anyway 2011-12-01T20:57:56 Well-I did not know that. 2011-12-01T20:58:19 your early evening, Boss, is my afternoon ;-) 2011-12-01T20:58:56 like Arne has nothing else to do..:) 2011-12-01T20:59:04 *** AAVSOMember80 has joined #aavso 2011-12-01T20:59:07 Thanks Mario for putting up with us.... 2011-12-01T20:59:24 wild and wooly crew 2011-12-01T20:59:33 would not put it that way, this was fun 2011-12-01T20:59:46 The 9 o clock hour has arrived (on the east coast) 2011-12-01T20:59:51 Besides.. as president.. could say its my job! 2011-12-01T20:59:52 Thanks for joining us, Mario! 2011-12-01T21:00:02 Happy to anytime.