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(meteorobs) Dr. Mattei

Even though variable star observing is a bit "off-topic" for this list, I just felt it to be of such importance for all persons interested in astronomical research to mention that the entire astronomical community suffered a severe blow yesterday with the death of Dr. Janet Akyuz Mattei, director of the AAVSO for the last 30 years.

Dr. Mattei, or Janet, as most people have known her, was an internationally acclaimed astronomer with a personal touch who took the time to mentor countless beginning observers. There are probably no other professionals in the history of science who played such a pivotal role in developing collaborations between amateurs and professionals.

When she took over the reigns of AAVSO in 1973, it was a minor player in the astronomical community. But through her dedicated work, she built it into the major primary resource for anyone doing research on variable stars. With its online presence now, all researchers have the most comprehensive and nearly instant access to the current and historical status of a variable star. The AAVSO's data, all gathered by amateurs using visual, CCD, PEP and other observations, is used by professional astronomers worldwide for many purposes. For example, to schedule ground-based and satellite observations of an outburst and to correlate optical behavior with those at other wavelengths, and used in countless publications.

My personal interaction with Janet was by several means, but I most remember when we met at the 2002 AAVSO meeting at Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii. I was utterly amazed she instantly recognized me, and knew exactly what my work and contributions as an observer! But that was Janet. There are countless stories of how she would take the time to personally acquaint herself with, and mentor any interested amateur, even the rank beginner. And, from my understanding she treated all her employees the same way. Everyone who came to know her would automatically then respond by donating incredible amounts of their own time and effort to help out too. She created the ultimate win-win situations.

Now the world is without Janet again. I hope that her legacy may inspire others to follow in her footsteps and change the way we work together to advance science. Amateur or professional, it doesn't matter, we all play our unique and valuable roles to answer the ultimate questions...

Mike Linnolt (LMK) (LINNMI)
Kobe, Japan
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