Scientific Writing in Double Star Research
Adapted from Kalée Tock and Ryan Caputo
Welcome to the scientific writing phase of your double star research project! This critical step transforms your observations and analysis into a formal contribution to astronomical knowledge. Scientific writing is where your work gains permanence and becomes part of the broader scientific conversation.
The Purpose of Scientific Writing
Your double star measurements will only be added to the Washington Double Star Catalog if they are part of published papers. This is because the US Naval Observatory, keeper of the Washington Double Star Catalog, uses the scientific journal review process to ensure that measurements have been vetted before adding them.
The Journal of Double Star Observations (JDSO) is generally friendly to student authors, making it an excellent venue for your research. However, even here, you can expect reviewers to require revisions before accepting your paper for publication—this is a normal part of the scientific process that helps refine and strengthen your work.
Why Writing Matters in Astronomy
Scientific writing serves several crucial purposes:
- Documentation: It creates a permanent record of your observations and measurements
- Validation: The peer review process helps ensure accuracy and reliability
- Knowledge Sharing: It allows other astronomers to build upon your work
- Attribution: It gives you proper credit for your discoveries and analysis
- Historical Context: It places your work within the broader context of astronomical research
Structure of a Double Star Paper
The simplest type of JDSO paper is only a few pages long and follows a standard scientific structure:
- Title: Descriptive and specific to your research
- Abstract: A brief summary of your research and key findings
- Introduction: Background on your star system and research questions
- Instruments: Description of telescopes and equipment used
- Measurement: Methods used to collect and analyze data
- Results: Presentation of your measurements and analysis
- Discussion: Interpretation of your results in context
- Conclusion: Summary of findings and implications
- Acknowledgements: Recognition of people and institutions that assisted
- References: Citations of other works mentioned
In the following pages, we'll guide you through creating each of these sections, with specific guidance tailored to double star research.
The Art of Scientific Communication
Scientific writing is both technical and creative. You must be precise and accurate while telling a compelling story about your research. Good scientific writing:
- Presents information clearly and logically
- Uses appropriate technical terminology
- Avoids ambiguity and unnecessary jargon
- Includes effective visualizations (tables, figures)
- Acknowledges limitations and uncertainties
- Connects your specific findings to broader scientific knowledge
Remember that you're not just recording data—you're contributing to a centuries-long conversation about double stars and stellar systems. Your paper may be read and cited by future astronomers studying these same systems decades from now!
The Scientific Publishing Process
Publishing a scientific paper involves several steps:
- Writing: Creating a clear, well-structured manuscript
- Internal Review: Getting feedback from colleagues and mentors
- Submission: Sending your paper to an appropriate journal
- Peer Review: Having your paper evaluated by expert reviewers
- Revision: Addressing reviewer comments and suggestions
- Publication: Having your final paper published in the journal
- Citation: Having your work referenced by other researchers
Your BinarSTAR program will guide you through the first three steps, with the possibility of continuing to actual publication for promising research.
What's Ahead
In the following sections, we'll explore each component of a scientific paper in detail:
- Paper Structure: Understanding the overall organization and requirements
- Introduction & Instruments: Creating compelling introductions and detailed instrument descriptions
- Results & Discussion: Presenting your findings clearly and interpreting them thoughtfully
- Collaborative Writing: Working effectively with co-authors to create a cohesive paper
Let's begin by examining the overall structure of a double star paper and the specific requirements for each section.