username posted:

I enjoy astronomy as a hobby as it is abstract and so
close to real science.

As a hobby, it can be *real* science (variable star observing, supernova
hunting, GRB followup observations, asteroid search and astrometry ect.).
However, as you note, it can also be a enjoyable hobby involving just "sight
seeing".

My question: are amateur astronomers actually contributing to science
(besides shooting nice images!), and if so, how?

In addition to the above fields, there is one area which many amateurs are
contributing to in a big way: public outreach. There is a real need to keep
the public educated and informed about Astronomy, one which is not often
well-filled by the professionals. Amateurs do things such as provide public
viewing nights and programs, using themselves and their equipment as resources
to reach as many in the general public as possible. They staff public
observatories, hold demonstrations such as Astronomy Day, and help school
groups and other organizations who express an interest in the heavens. Such
outreach not only helps to maintain Astronomy's support via public funding,
but helps to educate and inspire our young people to continue the quest for
knowledge in the future. Clear skies to you.
--
David W. Knisely
Prairie Astronomy Club: http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
Hyde Memorial Observatory: http://www.hydeobservatory.info/

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