Amateur astronomers and the new golden age of cataclysmic variable star astronomy

TL;DR

This paper discusses how amateur astronomers can continue to contribute valuable observations of cataclysmic variable stars amidst new sky surveys, emphasizing adaptation and collaboration in this evolving field.

Contribution

It highlights the ongoing role of amateurs in CV star research and suggests how they can adapt to new survey data for scientific progress.

Findings

Amateurs can still provide valuable visual and CCD observations.

Sky surveys offer new opportunities for amateur contributions.

Amateurs need to adapt their focus to complement survey data.

Abstract

The study of cataclysmic variable stars has long been a fruitful area of co-operation between amateur and professional astronomers. In this Presidential Address, I shall take stock of our current understanding of these fascinating binary systems, highlighting where amateurs can still contribute to pushing back the frontiers of knowledge. I shall also consider the sky surveys that are already coming on stream, which will provide near continuous and exquisitely precise photometry of these systems. I show that whilst these surveys might be perceived as a threat to amateur observations, they will actually provide new opportunities, although the amateur community shall need to adapt and focus its efforts. I will identify areas where amateurs equipped for either visual observing or CCD photometry can make scientifically useful observations.