The 20th GEOS International Symposium was held from May 17 to May 19, 1997 in Prémanon, in the Haut‑Jura region of France. This meeting formed part of the usual annual GEOS scientific gatherings, during which members and collaborators of the group meet regularly to review ongoing studies, observational results and organisational matters related to the activities of GEOS.
The symposium opened on Saturday, May 17, with a presentation on the general situation of GEOS, followed by several scientific communications devoted to individual variable stars. These contributions dealt with stars of various types, including eclipsing binaries and suspected variables, and were based on visual, photoelectric and CCD observations. A review of the scientific results obtained by GEOS during the previous year was also presented.
In the evening, a session was devoted to CCD photometry, followed by discussions regarding the internal organisation of GEOS. During this session, a redistribution of responsibilities within the group took place, and Ennio Poretti was elected President of GEOS.
The programme continued on Sunday, May 18, with communications focusing on specific objects and data analysis methods, including period searches in variable star measurements. Further presentations addressed the GEOS research programme, the use of internet resources and automated telescopes, and the activities of several observatories collaborating with the group. Discussions were also held concerning future GEOS meetings and observing facilities.
On Monday, May 19, the final session addressed access to photometric instrumentation and ongoing studies of selected variable stars. The symposium concluded late in the morning after a final exchange of views and a synthesis of the discussions.
Throughout the meeting, extended discussions accompanied the scientific sessions, reflecting the collaborative and working character traditionally associated with GEOS symposia and contributing to the definition of future observational and research orientations of the group.