Webb Society: Is anyone a member?
Just wondering if anyone on the forum is a member of this UK based observing society?
I am aware that Jenni Kay of South Australia, who contributes to the Australian astro mags from time to time, especially regarding her observations of galaxy clusters and the SMC and LMC, is a member. I have emailed her for her thoughts, and am currently awaiting her reply.
I am becoming rather interested in binary (double) star observing, and I have been very impressed with what I have seen and read of the contribution the Webb Society has made, and continues to make, to serious astronomical research by pooling together the observations of amateurs.
For example, the Washington Double Star Catalogue, which is the world's most authoritative double and multiple star database, has accepted amateur observations of Webb Society members regarding over 4000 binary systems in its catalogue.
The Webb Society publishes a quarterly journal, which is principally a collection of amateur's contributions, including sketches and measurements of stellar positions. It seems very constructive to me, and would give a real purpose to observing, beyond merely doing the standard "tour" of the nightsky which we can all fall into the trap of.
Anyone interested in finding out more? I'll keep you posted.
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