Quote:
Originally Posted by AstroJunk
All data should be called into question and it is the quality of your data which is your legacy, not any conclusions that you may draw. Actually, that is true for all observational astronomers, myself included.
I don't believe that non full time physicists (paid or otherwise) are often in a position to explain how. It is important to present the data and method to others in a timely manner so that others can contribute, analyse or criticise as they see fit.
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Agreed, it just leaves one in a 'precarious' position. I don't do this for a living, so have I overlooked something, have I made a mistake somewhere... The work we (amateurs) are doing on these long period targets is 'borderline' (bleeding edge analysis routines and catalogue and on the limits of data acceptability error wise). We need to be careful not to overstep these boundaries as we lack, in general, the training and skills to justify ourselves (and in some cases to realise that we have overstepped the boundaries)
It is this lack of, for the want of a better word, 'ability' to identify that they have 'gone too far' that puts a lot of pro's in the professional 'dog house' and why I think many Pro's dismiss the work of amateurs.
Cheers