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(meteorobs) VMDB data reporting requirements

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[This is a general message to meteor observers...please apologize
if you got it also through IMO-news]
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The Future of the VMDB and instructions for REPORTING DATA
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World-wide data of visual meteor observations from 1988 to 2001 are
stored in the Visual Meteor Database. Many of you have contributed
to this huge archive of information about meteor shower activity.
A wide range of analyses have been performed with the VMDB. The
success of the VMDB is based on its combinations of STANDARDIZATION
and SIMPLICITY.

Much of the time spend on data utilization has gone into sorting out
and correcting the information needed for the VMDB. In order to
enhance the effectivity of the data handling, we require a strict
form of meteor reports. THE ONLY WAY to report visual meteor obser-
vations to the VMDB is through the style

      www.imodot net/visual/imoform.html

If you are unsure how to copy and work out the form in an editor,
print the form and send your data by postal mail (give your email
address therein).

Note that effecient processing of your data is only possible if
you EXACTLY follow the report form

      www.imodot net/visual/imoform.html

Use UT and double-check whether you used the correct conversion.
The field center right ascension is given in degrees (1h -> 15 deg,
2h -> 30 deg, 3h -> 45 deg, 4h -> 60 deg, ... 23h -> 345 deg).
Teff is the effective observing time, and breaks and dead time
for noting meteors should be subtracted. It is given in DECIMAL
hours, hence 1h and 15 minutes = 1.25 for Teff. With no field
obstructions, F = 1.

If you reported earlier and got no complaint, we found your report
complete. Nevertheless, we can speed up the procedure if you have
a look at re-sorting your information according to

      www.imodot net/visual/imoform.html

since processing may then last 5 minutes instead of 10 minutes for
your report, which is a GREAT ADVANCE given the fact that about
10000 reports have to be utilized every year.


We look forward to your contributions and wish to serve meteor
astronomy in a powerful way by global meteor shower analyses.

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Rainer Arlt, Director Visual Commission, IMO
2002 February 26
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