Symbiotic binaries as ideal targets for amateur observers

Symbiotic systems are interacting binaries, usually composed of a cool giant and a hot white dwarf. They are characterized by significant brightness changes on various time scales from minutes to decades, associated with interesting effects in their spectra. Although many new symbiotic binaries have been discovered in recent years, several questions about their components, evolution, and activity mechanisms remain unresolved. At least some of the answers can be provided by long-term monitoring of the symbiotic population. The present article discusses the importance of photometric and spectroscopic observations of symbiotic binaries obtained by amateur observers in the time of space satellites, all-sky photometric surveys, and a large amount of spectroscopic data obtained by professional observatories. It also illustrates the importance and possibilities for observers with the example of several successful collaborations of professional and amateur astronomers in this field.