Re: [TASS] publication of variable stars

["Arne A. Henden" <aah@NOFS.NAVY.MIL>]

Michael asked,
>  So -- can anyone suggest a good mechanism for reporting
>variable-star discoveries, one which allows others to access them
>quickly and easily, even years later?
  The IBVS is the best route.  Simbad and the Moscow GCVS folks
both add anything that appears there to their lists, especially
if you give cross-references and coordinates.  Moscow publishes
'Namelists' of new variable stars every 6 months to a year, also
in IBVS.  The 'years later' problem is why I recommend IBVS.  Other
faster methods include the VSNET (Variable Star NETwork) and
the AAVSO, both of which have maillists, but no guarantee of
longevity nor that Simbad will ever pick up the new variables.
  The other big advantage to IBVS is that it is free.  A better
method in my mind would be to do an annual AJ or ApJSS listing
of the variables discovered by TASS.  This would place all
discoveries in one spot, and can be an annual affair since there
should be 3600+ variables in the 360,000 star tenxcat.  Note,
however, that both of these journals have page charges.  Our
1600 FASTT variables cost us ~US$1.00 per star.
Arne