The collection of times of minima of eclipsing binaries by Dieter Lichtenknecker was started end of the seventies of last century. This meant a tremendeaous research of the corresponding literature in lots of libraries, as well as a laborious electronic recording with simple computers at that time. After the death of Dieter Lichtenknecker in 1990, his work was carefully continued by Franz Agerer.

Right now this data-collection, which is called ``Lichtenknecker-Database of the BAV'' in honour of its initiator, will be made available to astronomical scientists and interested amateurs.

Overview

The Lichtenknecker-Database contains data of eclipsing binaries only - in total about 127,000 observed times of minima of 1,906 stars.

The data were collected and compiled from a variety of bibliographical sources world wide. We estimate that especially the historical data are complete. The criteria for an inclusion of eclipsing binaries into the database are a magnitude of ~13mag during maximum light and a declination north of ~-20°. There were no limitations regarding amplitude or period. Due to the wide availability of CCD-cameras it happened from time to time that also fainter objects were included into the database.

The database contains only results of objects which have been officially confirmed and named as variable stars. Thus it may happen for lately named stars that earlier observations, which were published under their preliminary designation, are still not included into the database.

The rights on the data compiled in the database are held by the individual observers and authors themselves, and not by the BAV. However, due to the huge efforts which were made to create this database, we would like to ask its users to always cite it with its offical title ``Lichtenknecker-Database of the BAV''.

We deliver the database on CD-ROM. Until the end of 2005 it will be sold for a flat-rate inside Europe 20 Euros, outside Europe 25 US$. For easier handling you can send your order enclosing a bank-note (no checks please).

You can order the ``Lichtenknecker-Database of the BAV'' at the following address :

Bundesdeutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Veränderliche Sterne e.V. (BAV)

Munsterdamm 90 12169 Berlin Germany

Berlin, in April 2004

Managing Committee of the BAV

Werner BrauneDr. Gerd-Uwe FlechsigJoachim Hübscher

Internet: http://www.bav-astro.de