Realize though that while some worthwhile science contributions can
be done in observational astronomy, some of us (me included) just
enjoy the sights without getting involved in the note taking and
computations....great hobby...something for everyone, and every taste.
So you might consider the hobby from that aspect.
Clear Skies,
Tom W.





username wrote:
hi,

short introduction: I am about to pick up my astronomy hobby again (left it
about 15 years ago, when I went to university to study math). Hopefully my
scope will be here within a week, and I am really looking forward to it:
stugying mars of course, but in general, I look forward to a winter full of
dark crisp skies.

I have a phd in math, but I am not a science professional (left university
after I got my phd, now I work for a large bank). I enjoy my current work
very much, but I never lost my interest in science (in fact, I published an
article on chromosome structures, together with my twin brother, in
"Science" last year). I enjoy astronomy as a hobby as it is abstract and so
close to real science.

My question: are amateur astronomers actually contributing to science
(besides shooting nice images!), and if so, how? Perhaps a FAQ, but I am
interested, as I know from experience, that my hobbies tend to get pretty
serious over time :-)