Beginner's guide

The role of the amateur in modern astronomy

In most sciences today the amateur is limited. Expensive equipment is needed and years of training. But in astronomy the amateur can be really useful, mainly because he knows the sky better than the average professional, who depends entirely on instruments.

Moreover amateurs can do things which professionals have no time to do, or cannot do. For example the surface of some of the planets are always changing, and unless a space probe is suitably placed then it is the amateur who is most likely to discover a white spot on Saturn, a major dust storm on Mars or a violent storm on Jupiter.

The brilliant white spot on Saturn in 1933 was in fact discovered by an amateur, W.T. Hay, the stage and screen comedian. Remembered today as Will Hay.

Another fine example is that of Tom Bopp who jointly discovered the comet then named after himself and Alan Hale in 1997. Variable stars are also monitored; there are so many that professionals can not hope to deal with them all. Amateurs discover comets and nova and make observations of phenomena such as aurora and meteor showers.

If you aspire to be a professional, you will need years of training and you will need a degree. But as an amateur you can spend as much or as little time you feel is appropriate.

You'll make many friends, you will enjoy your work and you may take part in real valuable research programmes.

Good luck, and clear skies!

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