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Publication in Astronomy

Adapted from Kalée Tock and Ryan Caputo

The culmination of your double star research is sharing your discoveries with the broader astronomical community through publication. This phase transforms your research from a personal or academic exercise into a permanent contribution to scientific knowledge.

The Significance of Publication

Publication serves several critical functions in astronomy:

  1. Knowledge Dissemination: Sharing your findings allows other astronomers to build upon your work
  2. Scientific Validation: Peer review ensures your methods and conclusions meet established standards
  3. Attribution: Publications establish priority and credit for discoveries
  4. Scientific Progress: Each publication adds to the collective understanding of our universe
  5. Professional Development: Publications build your scientific credibility and research portfolio

For double star research specifically, publication has additional importance:

  • Measurements are only added to the Washington Double Star Catalog if published in peer-reviewed journals
  • Historical observations become valuable references for future astronomers studying these systems
  • Your work may contribute to refining orbits or identifying previously unknown systems

Publication Venues for Double Star Research

Several journals and conferences specialize in or accept double star research:

Journals

  • Journal of Double Star Observations (JDSO): Primary venue for student double star research
  • Journal of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (JAAVSO): Accepts double star studies
  • The Astronomical Journal: For more extensive studies or significant discoveries
  • Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific: For educational innovations in astronomy

Conferences

  • Society for Astronomical Sciences (SAS) Symposium: Annual conference welcoming student research
  • American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meetings: Larger professional conferences
  • Regional astronomical society meetings: Excellent venues for first presentations

The Publication Timeline

Understanding the full publication process helps set realistic expectations:

  1. Research Completion: Finalizing measurements, analysis, and conclusions
  2. Manuscript Preparation: Writing and formatting according to journal requirements
  3. Internal Review: Getting feedback from colleagues before submission
  4. Submission: Sending your manuscript to the journal
  5. Editorial Assessment: Initial review by journal editors
  6. Peer Review: Detailed evaluation by expert reviewers (typically 1-3 months)
  7. Revision: Addressing reviewer comments (can require additional analysis)
  8. Acceptance/Publication: Final approval and publication (often 2-6 months after submission)

Publication Realities

Many research projects extend beyond initial timelines. Only about 20% of double star projects are completed to publication, often due to time constraints and competing priorities. Plan accordingly and document your work thoroughly to facilitate completion regardless of timeline.

Documentation for Publication Success

Thorough documentation is essential for successful publication, especially if the process extends over months:

  1. Code Repository: Maintain well-commented analysis code
  2. Data Archive: Organize all raw data, reduced data, and analysis outputs
  3. Method Documentation: Record detailed procedures for all measurements and analyses
  4. Reference Collection: Save copies of all referenced papers
  5. Version Control: Track changes to manuscripts and analyses
  6. Permission Records: Document permission for any copyrighted material used

What You'll Learn

In the following pages, you'll master key aspects of the publication process:

  1. Abstract Writing: Creating effective abstracts for papers and conferences
  2. Submission Process: Navigating journal submission systems and requirements
  3. Peer Review: Understanding reviewer feedback and making effective revisions

These skills will prepare you to share your double star research with the broader astronomical community and establish yourself as a contributor to the field.

Let's begin by exploring how to write effective abstracts that capture the essence of your research.

Continue to Abstract Writing →