Аннотация

This book is dedicated to the memory of my colleague and friend Dr Janet AkyuЁz Mattei (1943--2004). She was born in Bodrum, Turkey, and educated at Brandeis University (BA 1965), University of Virginia (MS 1972), and Ege University, Turkey (MS 1970, Ph.D. 1982). She served as Director of the American Association of Variable Star Observers for 30 years, from 1973 until her death.
She led the AAVSO through a period of unprecedented growth, in the volume of data submitted by observers and requested by professional astronomers, and in the diversity and complexity of research projects supported. The AAVSO became internationally respected for its treasury of data and information, and for its international network of volunteer observers. She won a dozen major awards in countries around the world. She served in scientific and educational organizations and committees at every level, up to the International Astronomical Union. As a professional astronomer, she was an expert on cataclysmic variables and Mira stars, as well as on the general topic of amateur-professional collaboration -- an area in which she made a profound contribution in many ways, and many places. But Janet was more than a scientist and administrator. She was a teacher, with an infectious enthusiasm for astronomy -- and wildflowers. She was a diplomat and a leader, an exemplary human being, and a dear friend of
every amateur or professional astronomer or educator she worked with. I had the pleasure of working with her on many projects, notably Hands-On Astrophysics.
My interests in variable stars, and their role in science and education, have been indelibly affected by my 30 years of collaboration and friendship with Janet. I know that she has left a similar mark on hundreds of others, worldwide.
John R. Percy