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The International
Association of Double Star Observers
Description
The International Association of
Double Star Observers (IADSO) promotes the science of double and
multiple stars through astrometric, photometric, and
spectroscopic observations, the identification of physically
bound or projected pairs, the determination and refinement of
binary star orbits, and the publication of these observations
and analysis in recognized scientific journals. The IADSO
encourages all forms of quantitative, publishable, double as
well as multiple star observations. These include observations
made with visual astrometric eyepieces, filar micrometers, and
CCD cameras, as well as speckle interferometry, high speed
occultation photometry, and high resolution spectroscopy. The
IADSO fosters improvements in the accuracy and efficiency of
observations, and works to make instrumentation and software
practical and affordable for smaller observatories.
The IADSO provides an international forum for the communication
of ideas, observations, discoveries, observing techniques,
instrumentation, and software by initiating conferences and
workshops, hosting the IADSO web site, publishing books, raising money for student
research scholarships, and connecting experienced double star
mentors with beginning student and amateur researchers. The IADSO is grateful to www.AltAzInitiative.org for hosting the
IADSO’s web site, the Collins Foundation Press for publishing
the IADSO’s first book, The Double Star Reader, the University
of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy for hosting the IADSO’s
first conference, and the non-profit Collins Educational
Foundation for conference management and handling tax-deductible
donations for student scholarships.
IADSO-organized meetings and conferences allow professional and
amateur astronomers, as well as educators and students, to
communicate on a face-to-face basis, foster new ideas, forge new
relationships, and promote international collaboration. The
IADSO encourages its members to publish their findings in the
many excellent double star journals such as El Observador de
Estrellas Dobles, Web Deep Sky Society, Il Bolettino delle
Stelle Doppie, and the Journal of Double Star Observations.
Several areas of observational astronomy, including variable
stars and double stars, are amenable to making useful, published
contributions to science with relatively modest instrumentation
and skills. Undergraduate students and even high school
students, through published and subsequently cataloged
observations of double stars, not only have contributed to
science, but have significantly increased their understanding
and appreciation of science as well as advancing their
educational careers. The IADSO encourages and supports student
double star research.
Everyone, world-wide—professional and amateur astronomers,
educators and students—with an interest in promoting the science
of double star astrometry is invited to join the IADSO as a
charter member and receive a charter membership certificate.
There are no membership fees, although donations are welcome
through the Collins Educational Foundation to support student
scholarships and activities. Members will receive an occasional
IADSO Newsletter and notification of IADSO conferences,
workshops, and books.
Charter
Members
1. David Rowe
PlaneWave Instruments
2. John Pye
University of Hawaii Maui College
3. Stephen McGaughey
Haleakala Amateur Astronomers
4. Joseph Carro
Cuesta College
5. Thomas G. Frey
California Polytechnic State University
6. Russell M. Genet
California Polytechnic State University
7. David Dunham
International Occultation Timing Association
8. R. Kent Clark
University of South Alabama
9. Ed Wiley
Yankee Tank Creek Observatory
10. Vera Wallen
Central Coast Astronomical Society
11. Paul Hardersen
University of North Dakota
12. Bobby Johnson
Arroyo Grande High School
13. B.J. Fulton
University of Hawaii
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