Coordinated Multiwavelength Observations of BL Lacertae in 2000

BL Lacertae (BL Lac) was the target of an extensive multiwavelength monitoring campaign in the second half of 2000. Simultaneous or quasi-simultaneous observations were taken at radio (University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory and Metsahovi Radio Telescope) and optical (Whole Earth Blazar Telescope (WEBT) collaboration) frequencies, in X-rays (BeppoSAX and RXTE), and at very high energy gamma rays (HEGRA). The WEBT optical campaign achieved an unprecedented time coverage, virtually continuous over several 10-20 hr segments. It revealed intraday variability on timescales of � 1.5 hr and evidence for spectral hardening associated with increasing optical flux. During the campaign, BL Lac underwent a major transition from a rather quiescent state prior to 2000 September, to a flaring state for the rest of the year. This