[PeterM]

Geez David you have really hoed into me here (actually some great points raised) I responded to a valid question with my thoughts and experience, which by the way have been quite successful.

I don't want to get into a tit for tat response to all your points here, but I must note a few things.

[QUOTE=higginsdj;668497]So how do you know your SN is not an asteroid?

Well its not even a SN its just a suspect/possible SN even after it has been discovered and reported, until it is professionally followed up.
Simply keeping the current astorb data in say Sky6/X can eliminate most asteroids and then following procedures as set out by CBAT (mandatory check of minor planet checker) should rule out any known asteroids, but you already knew that l'm sure. Out of 15 discoveries BOSS have reported on not one known asteroid false alarm, we do our homework really well.

[QUOTE=higginsdj;668497]If you are imaging with the same equipment what do you need plate rotation and scaling for?

Its not always the same equipment, BOSS team use several setups, alt az included as well as using each others reference images and DSS images as required

[QUOTE=higginsdj;668497] Maxims auto rotate and scale does not always work either. I have plenty of examples where it fails dismally.

Yup software is not always perfect, horses for courses, Stu is the best example of it working very well with his 11 discoveries. On sheer numbers though it performs very well.


[QUOTE=higginsdj;668497] I don't see how image subtraction is any better than blinking in any case. In amateur equipment and amateur skys you are going to get more variations from sky quality than software can do for image subtraction resulting in false positives. Blinking will make it glaringly obvious that sky quality needs to be considered.

That's a very good point, perhaps why it's not available.

[QUOTE=higginsdj;668497] So where does science end and a race begin? Is it about doing the science and making or assisting in a discovery or just getting the credit?

Interesting comment. We are amateurs first and foremost, no more or better than you or anyone else reading this. We don't do the science, how could we? Its a collaboration that in our case has led to a professional at one of the worlds largest observatories willing to do follow up work because it forms part of their professional work. I have found professional astronomers are generally very appreciative of the dollar outlay and time outlay (many hundreds of hours per year) amateurs do put in.
A race, perhaps in some ways, it sure is competitive. Large robotic scopes (LSST etc) are soon to dominate and amateur discoveries will be made using a mouse and someone else's image on the computer screen. How sweet it is to say I discovered that with my own telescope/camera.

We will assist anyone who needs it with follow up for a possible supernova discovery. David you are welcome to ring me at anytime of the night, all we ask is that you have done the basic groundwork first.

Oh and my bloody oath the credit is very, very important, if you discover it you deserve it, a day can make all the difference. BOSS ensure it is shared equally with those who contributed to it and this is something very few do.

I think we have strayed from the original question, just use the eyeball method on lots and lots of images and you will be successful.


Ooops nearly forgot a PS - David have a really great Christmas to you and your family and may 2011 be filled with clear nights, all the best!
PeterM.