Target Selection

[Tony Rodda]

Hi guys,

(I posted this in 'Introductions' but realised that's the wrong place!).

My question is around target selection.

a. I've downloaded a list of 48 Symbiotic stars from the ARAS monthly report and website (Symbiotic stars database).
b. I have downloaded a list of Be stars that have not been observed recently. I intend working my way through these.
c. I am watching for targets of opportunity. (Cataclysmic, Novae, comets, etc).

Is there any preference for how I prioritise the Symbiotic stars?

(PS. I have also registered my first spectrum with BeSS).

Regards

Tony

[Francois Teyssier]

Hi Tony

About the selection of Symbiotics
You have a main target list in the letter, including the most interesting amoung the brightests.
Say, a Spectrum a week for this main list should be a must (low and high resolution)
For the other brigh symbiotics, a spectrum a month can provide interesting information in case of a unlikely but possible major change (for instance NQ Gem, UV Aur ...)
Amoung the faint symbiotics, there are many interesting targets, but not easy to get a good SNR
Also, you can have a glance to symbiotics for which we have no spectra since a long time
Last, but not lesat, you can "adopt" a (or more) symbiotic and focus your activity on it

All the best,

François

[Tony Rodda]

Many thanks François
Regards
Tony