Be Stars Spectrographic Survey Project

Observation of Be stars by amateurs is a long tradition in France: between 1992 and 1997 some of these stars have been systematically studied by a small group with the Pic du Midi Observatory 60cm telescope (T60) equiped with a spectrograph designed by the same group (A.Klotz, V.Desnoux, D.Bardin et. Al.) Until now, no results have been published.

On my side, I started again the observations of Be stars, expanding the database up to about 250 stars, until the 8th magnitude. My goal was to determine if it is possible to acquire useful data, for scientific purpose, with a modest amateur equipment (20-40cm telescope) with a low cost spectrograph of resolution R=3000. The assembly is described in my home page:

http://www.astrosurf.org/buil

The last version of the Be stars Atlas, merged with the unpublished T60 data acquired between 92 and 97 (with authorization), can be found at the URL:

http://www.astrosurf.org/buil/us/bestar.htm

My feeling is that it is possible to raise the interest of number of amateurs inside the Aude Association (Association of Users of Detector Electronic) (3 to 10 observers, more if the survey is international ?). Note that AUDE is a very active association in the domain of CCD observations in France. It is my opinion that a low cost spectrograph, light-weight, with a resolution in the range of 3000-4000 could be designed and produced in small quantities as part of the activities of this association.

CCD spectrography is a quite new discipline in amateur astronomy. To attract more observers to it, easy-to-acess subjecs shall be proposed, with scientific interest. Considering the difficulty to analyze and interpret spectral data, the sponsoring and the support of professionals is also the key in this operation. The Be stars study seems to be an ideal subject: it is may be possible to organize a regular survey, on a long period basis, on multiple active stars. Collaboration between amateurs and professionals seems to me very appropriate and shall be very efficient.

Your judgment on this survey project and the work done so far is important. Do you believe this can be of scientific usage and interest in your own area of research ? What do you envision as possible or required improvements ? What is your opinion about a possible joint campaign with amateurs and would you be ready to support and/or participate in such a campaign ?

Sincerely,
Christian Buil
Aude Association
christian.buil@cnes.fr