On 1 Nov 2003 02:16:31 -0800, (Bernie) wrote:

I have been active in casual astronomy for many years using 9X63
binoculars. However I have always promised myself a proper telescope
which I hope to order in the future, mostly for personal observations
and enjoyment.

However I cannot fail from reaching the conclusion that from the 60's
the role of the amateur astronomer has become a more and more minor
role. With the event of NEAT and LINEAR, the liklihood of amateur
discovering future comets has been severely reduced.

What aspects of astronomy do you consider to be still open, whereby an
amateur astronomer may still take part in serious astronomical
research?

Well it does depend on how much you want to spend, and how much time
you are able to devote to it. The automated NEAT and LINEAR telescopes
are optimised for searching out near-earth asteroids and do not cover
the whole sky. Big long-period comets (like Hale-Bopp) can first
appear anywhere in the sky so you still have a chance of discovering
the next one. New meteor radiants are still being discovered due to
the dedication of amateur observers. In astronomy a single observation
is not nearly so valuable as systematic observations (of just about
anything) sustained over a long perod of time.

To partake in supernova or asteroid searching you really need a good
GOTO telescope (of large enough aperture to take pics of faint objects
rapidly), the CCD camera of course, and the ancilliary computer
hardware to process the data. If you can demonstrate your ability to
determine the position of asteroids to the required (astrometric)
accuracy in order to calculate orbital elements, then you will be
rewarded with the allocation of an observatory number by the MPC. That
would definitely keep you busy fulfilling requests for follow-up
observations of newly discovered objects.

For the purely observational astronomer then yes, things are a bit
more limited. CCD cameras have taken over the role of many tasks that
were once done by eye or using photographs. Amateurs are even getting
into spectroscopic observations now - again due to sensitivity of the
CCD camera (have a look around Maurice Gavin's website).

There is nothing wrong with being an 'Astronomical Tourist' though!
Lots of things to see on your journey and why not take a few photos
along the way? Frame a few, hang them on the wall, always an
interesting talking-point for visitors.

ChrisH



UK Astro Ads: http://www.UKAstroAds.co.uk