Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 02/16/2022 - 03:49
I see several NSV stars listed in AVSpec, but the database usually does not accept such requests for uploading. Using associated HD etc. identifiers also proves unsuccessful. Is there a process that identifies which variable stars, or which identifiers are accepted in AVSpec?
Dave
DDGB
Hi Dave,
if it is unsuccessful, it is because the object does not have an AUID in VSX.
An AUID is required to submit spectra or data.
Some of the NSV objects turn out to be spurious, that is, constant, so they are not especially interesting.
We are reluctant to assing AUIDs to everything because of this. We check if the stars are variable or not before doing it. We do not encourage observations of non-variable stars.
How are you selecting your objects? Are they mentioned anywhere as being spectroscopically interesting?
If they are spectroscopically variable, we may classify them as such and assign them an AUID even when they are constant in light.
Cheers,
Sebastian
Sebastian,
Thanks for a quick response. I found the stars in VSX and, being new to AVSpec, did not know to check for an AUID. Learning fast!
Dave
Interesting. That could lead to a big expansion of the scope of the AAVSO, all non eclipsing spectroscopic binaries become potential additional targets for example
Robin
I am knew to…
Robin,
I am knew to spectroscopy and curious, does the BAA Spec Database have similar guidelines for submission?
Dave
Hi Dave,
The BAA spectroscopy database covers all objects not just variable stars (or even stars). You can add a new object to the database when you submit spectra based on a recognised identifier eg from SIMBAD etc. We do encourage people only to submit spectra with sufficient quality and with some potential scientific value though. eg not multiple Vega at very low resolution using a Star Analyser ;-) We moderate new users and offer mentoring for BAA members.
Cheers
Robin
Other specialist databases which accept amateur spectra are BeSS for Be stars and ARAS, mainly for Symbiotic star monitoring and transients (CVs/Novae etc)
I also submit classification spectra for transients (mainly supernovae) to the IAU Transient Name Server, though I would advise caution if considering this as it is a professional service with no gatekeeper or moderation
Cheers
Robin
Thanks Robin.
I recently joined the BAA and currently reading their submission requirements, which are similar to AVSpec. Here I am able to discover and work through those elementary details, like what is an NSV number. When I have decent experience and data from interesting but non-variable stars I hope to submit to BAA.
Chat Later!
Dave