121. Editorial -- Just What Is An Amateur Astronomer? of the science of astronomy, and that individuals who do not work within these recognizablepatterns should not be considered astronomers, amateur or otherwise http://www.setileague.org/editor/amateur.htm

Guest Editorial Just What Is An Amateur Astronomer? by Thomas R. Williams One might hope to simply pick up a book and review the history of astronomy to understand the contributions of amateurs. However, amateur astronomers are less visible than they should be in the literature of astronomy. Significant contributions by amateur astronomers are generally recognized, but the identification of the individual contributor as an amateur is frequently unclear. As a consequence, amateur astronomers today have little sense of what the contributions of amateurs have been in a historical sense. In part, this problem stems from current usage of the word "amateurish" as a pejorative, representing something not well done or lacking in quality. This unfortunate usage has distorted the historical meaning of the word amateur, broadly someone who works for the love of the work being done. Therefore, it is appropriate to first clarify what is meant by "amateur astronomer". There is a fairly simple ground rule which may be applied to identify an amateur astronomer. Such an individual must first be an astronomer. If that determination can be made, then it should be a simple matter to determine whether or not the astronomer is an amateur or a professional. The crucial decision is whether or not an individual is working at the science of astronomy. Using a few simple criteria to test this point will help us distinguish an astronomer from others who may, from time to time, look at the night sky. Here are some criteria to assist that identification:

122. Welcome To The Beckington Astronomical Society Home Page amateur astronomy society for new and experienced amateur astronomers. Provides observing information and details about the society including meetings and events. http://www.basnet.fsnet.co.uk/

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123. ASP: Clubs And Organizations Unit, Santa Barbara Eastbay Astronomical Society, Oakland Fremont Peak ObservatoryAssociation, Fremont Hamilton amateur astronomers, Ontario Los Angeles http://www.astrosociety.org/resources/linkclubs.html

home resources SEARCH ASP SITE: Resource Center Topics: AstroShop Books Favorite Links ASP Educational Resources Amateur Astronomy Clubs and Organizations United States Canada Mexico Europe ... Astronomy Clubs Website Astronomy.com has a listing of upcoming star parties and events. United States (by State) Alabama Von Braun Astronomical Society, Huntsville Arizona Huachuca Astronomy Club, Southeast Arizona Saguaro Astronomy Club, Phoenix Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, Tucson Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association California Antelope Valley Astronomy Club Astronomical Society of the Desert Astronomical Society of the Pacific Astronomical Unit, Santa Barbara ... Ventura County Astronomical Society Colorado Colorado Springs Astronomical Society FRASC, Colorado/Wyoming Northern Colorado Astronomical Society, Fort Collins Rocky Mountain Astronomy Club, Pueblo Connecticut Astronomical Society of New Haven Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society Mattatuck Astronomical Society next page ... Site Index

124. Bristol Astronomical Society Home Page A nonprofit-making registered charity of amateur astronomers, which organises a programme of talks and meetings. Origins, membership, events, convention, observations. http://www.bristolastrosoc.freeserve.co.uk/

Bristol Astronomical Society Home Page President: Sir BERNARD LOVELL O.B.E, LL.D, D.Sc, F.R.S. Vice Presidents: GORDON E TAYLOR F.R.A.S. Prof. MARK BIRKINSHAW MA, PhD, C Phys, M Inst P, F.R.A.S. Dr. RODNEY HILLIER BSc, PhD CLIFFORD MARTIN Registered Charity No. 299649 Welcome to the Bristol Astronomical Society web site. Please look at the Comet Neat starchart visible during May. Do your online shopping through the BAS Shopping Portal http://buy.at/bristolastrosoc This provides links to well known shops, but we get a small commission on any purchase you make, which helps out our funds. PLEASE NOTE: All purchases made are with the retailer concerned, and the BAS has no responsibility for any problems with the purchase. Click on Red Button to select page About the BAS - who we are and our origins How to find us! Membership and how to join us Programme of Events (Oct 2003 to Jun 2004) Observations Members Web Pages Astronomy Conventions and Events Astronomy related links to other sites Comet Neat Schools Project Mail us with your comments Last update - 04-May-2004

125. Cambridge Amateur Radio Astronomers Cambridge amateur Radio astronomers. Welcome to the home page of Cambridgeamateur Radio astronomers. We are a group of people, mainly http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~arcus/cara/

Cambridge Amateur Radio Astronomers Welcome to the home page of Cambridge Amateur Radio Astronomers. We are a group of people, mainly from a radio and computing background, with an interest in radio astronomy. Initially our focus is on restoring part of the One Mile Telescope at the University of Cambridge's Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory to full working order. An important goal of the project is to allow public access to the telescope, for example, for schools or interested amateur astronomers, either remotely or through site visits. There may also be possibilities for real research using the telescope, although we recognise that there may be limited opportunities here, the sky being fairly well understood at the frequencies accessible with the telescope. We intend to make full use of modern technology, in particular the ability to control and get data from the telescope using the Internet. Present and Future Plans The current specific objectives of the project include: Updating or replacing the receiver equipment. This has largely fallen into disrepair or lags behind modern standards.

126. Educational Observatory - Astronomy Clubs, Societies, Associations And Organizat Publications of the AAS Astrophysical Journal (ApJ) OnLine Astronomical Journal(AJ) On-Line American Association of amateur astronomers (AAAA) The American http://www.edu-observatory.org/eo/astronomy_clubs.html

Astronomy Clubs Societies , Associations and Organizations American Astronomical Society (AAS) Publications of the AAS Astrophysical Journal (ApJ) ... Ames Area Amateur Astronomers (AAAA) Ames, Iowa The Pulsar ARCSEC Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association Astro-Ads - Help promote this service at SEDS. Astro-Ads will always be FREE and contian NO COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS. Tell your fellow amateur astronomers where to find us. Astronomy Net The Astronomical League (AL) Astronomy Resources in Nebraska AstroWeb: Astronomical Internet Resources ... Skylink (fr) Southern Astronomical Society (Australia) Spokane Astronomical Society Starfax Astronomy Club Stellafane The Ring Nebula - The Ghost of a Sun That Once Was ... West Yorkshire Astronomical Society Also see: by swormley1@mchsi.com Linked by

127. SMAS Home Page A nonprofit organization focused on support amateur astronomers through programs and services of interest, including observing lessons, meetings, and news. http://www.smas.us/

Southern Maryland Astronomical Society OBSERVATORY PROGRAMS FAQ JOIN US ... MEMBERS SMAS Home Page Upcoming SMAS Events Directions To SMAS Clear Sky Clock Sky At A Glance ... SMAS BLOG Moon Phase President's Message Welcome to the Southern Maryland Astronomical Society (SMAS) web site. SMAS is a group of amateur astronomers that meet at Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center (NCEEC) to observe twice a month, weather permitting. Our observatory is located at NCEEC , located in southern Maryland about 40 miles south of the nations's capital. NCEEC is a gated facility used by both the Charles County Board of Education and SMAS. In May 1998 a group of dedicated members assembled a team and built a 16 foot observatory that now houses our Celestron CGE 1400 Schmidt-Cassegrain 14 inch telescope . The site has fairly dark skies considering its location. Most of our observers bring their own scopes and wander into the observatory to compare views, but some nights members show up just to use the observatory. Club members range from novices to advanced amateurs having over 40 years of experience. Several members have home observatories.

128. Planetary Society: Extrasolar Planets amateur astronomers to Observe Transit of Faraway Planets. by Amir Alexander.May 16, 2001 For millions of years the two giant planets http://www.planetary.org/html/news/articlearchive/headlines/2001/amateurs.htm

Amateur Astronomers to Observe Transit of Faraway Planets by Amir Alexander May 16, 2001: For millions of years the two giant planets circled the red dwarf Gliese 876. The larger outer planet completed each revolution around the star every 60 days, while its smaller neighbor completed its orbit in a mere 30. So they moved, in synchronous orbits, circling their dim star time and time again, alone in the silence and emptiness of space. The next time the planets orbit their dim star, however, will be different: This time they will have company. From a distance of 15 light years away, hundreds of telescopes will be trained on the dim star, searching for signs of the twin planets. The Gliese 876 system, as seen from a hypothetical moon of the outer planet. The telescopes will belong to amateur astronomers from around the world, responding to the call of the The American Association of Variable Star Observers. They will be carefully recording the luminosity of Gliese 876, trying to measure the dimming of the star as its companion planets transit in front of it.

129. ASTROAMATEURS ASTROamateurS. Links to amateur astronomers and amateur astronomy associationsworld wide. New and as possible. amateur astronomers. http://www.xs4all.nl/~carlkop/amaste.html

ASTROAMATEURS Links to amateur astronomers and amateur astronomy associations world wide. New and interesting links will be added constantly. To add your URL please send email to carlkop@xs4all.nl . ASTRONET shall visit your site as soon as possible. AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS Astronomy Observations Groningen Guido's Astro Archives Anthony and Christopher Seal's Astronomy Web Site Juan Carlos Casado's SKYLOOK ... Astronomical Images (Jerry Lodriguss' homepage (U.S.A.) AMATEUR ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATIONS INTERNATIONAL International Astronomical Youth Camp THE NETHERLANDS Stichting De Koepel NVWS (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Weer- en Sterrenkunde) JWG (JongerenWerkGroep voor sterrenkunde) Vereniging voor Weer- en Sterrenkunde Noord-Drenthe BELGIUM VVS (Vereniging Voor Sterrenkunde) JVS (JongerenVereniging voor Sterrenkunde) De Polderster (Sterrenkundige Vereniging voor Groot Assenede en omstreken) J.V.S. Quasar (Oostende) Astro Event Group (AEG) LUXEMBOURG Amateur Astronomes du Luxembourg FRANCE SKYLINK: Le site des astronomes amateurs de France CADRA: Cercle Amateur de Développement et Recherche en Astronomie Rencontres InterClubs d'Astronomie de Bretagne GERMANY GAD: German Astronomical Directory (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

130. Redirect To The New Location Pairs grade 312 teachers with volunteer amateur and professional astronomers and earth scientists with the goal of building long-lasting partnerships to improve science education in schools. Also includes links to relevant curriculum materials. http://www.astro.washington.edu/projastro/

Project Astro has become Project AstroBio: http://www.astro.washington.edu/projastrobio Please update your bookmarks and webpages appropriately as this reminder webpage will only be here for a little while

131. Amateur Observatories amateur Astronomical Observatories. Examples of small observatoriesthat individual amateur astronomers have built for personal use. http://www.seds.org/billa/obs/obslist.html

Amateur Astronomical Observatories Examples of small observatories that individual amateur astronomers have built for personal use. I started this list when doing research before building my own observatory . I got a lot of good ideas by looking at what others had done. Perhaps you will, too :-) Building a small observatory is not all that hard. A simple roll-off roof design can be built in a few days with simple tools and materials easily available in your local building supply store. A dome is much more complicated but still can be done with more careful planning. Or you can buy a kit. Hardcopy More Small Astronomical Observatories edited by Partick Moore. Includes a chapter on my own observatory. Vendors SkyShed , very nice roll-off plans and kits At Home In A Dome Backyard Observatories , custom roll-offs Roll Off Roofs Paul Andrew Apogee Robotic Observatory Ashen Path Observatory The AstroShed ... Junk Bond Observatory aka 701 Sierra Vista KAC Observatory W.M. Keck Observatory Al Kelly ... York Creek Observatory Dead Links Astropad Central Montana Astronomy Society Codorus Creek Observatory Conlin Hill Observatory ... Sweet Hill Observatory Piers Bill Arnett's temporary hack Michael J. Cook

132. Amateur Radio Astronomy (W6/PA0ZN ) amateur Radio astronomers Grote Reber and Jeffrey Lichtman. The Society of amateurRadio Astronomer s Home Page. Resources for amateur Radio astronomers. http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/ws1_4.html

Amateur Radio Astronomy Amateur Radio Astronomers Grote Reber and Jeffrey Lichtman The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomer's Home Page. SARA's Educational Page on Radio Astronomy. Amateur Radio Astronomy on the Internet and SARA EU. NRAO Primer on Radio Astronomy. ... "Waterhole" Newsletter. Subscribe to SARA list Server. Put in body "subscribe sara" SARA List Server Active Amateur Radio Observatories Very Well Constructed Observatory by a SARA Member, Bob Lash. CLEA, Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy. The Construction of a small Radio Observatory. Anthony Halloway's RA WWW page. ... Berkeley's Radio Lab. Asnora, Amateur Radio Astronomy in France. Radio Astronomy near Bordeaux, France. Steve and Heather Wimbrows RA Page. From Brazil, Capinas. Very fine work! Radio Amateurs in Amateur Radio Astronomy. ON4EU, the MERLIN Radio Observatory AF9Y, with DSP in Radio and Astrophysics. Sporadic-E by G. Neil Spokes PhD, AB4YK. CT1DMK with Amateur Radio Astronomy ... Klaus Fenger, Radio Astronomy at DL0SHF. (German) FL1ABL and F1GQD, with multiband Radio Astronomy from France.

133. Welcome To The Roper Mountain Astronomers' Website Promoting amateur astronomy activities in upstate South Carolina. http://www.rmastro.com/

GREENVILLE, SC Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. Why did not somebody teach me the constellations and make me at home in the starry heavens, which are always overhead, and which I don't half know to this day? THOMAS CARLYLE English writer June RMA Club Meeting June 10 th, 7:30 p.m. T. C. Hooper Planetarium at the Roper Mountain Science Center. 800 at SPACE DAY - A Success! Thanks to all the RMA Volunteers who helped make Space Day 2004 a successful event. The Channel 4 eleven o'clock News had a short segment on the event focusing mainly on the two key presentations, Astronaut Brandenstein's and the Langley wind tunnel. Most people thought we were kidding when we offered them an opportunity to view the sun. Skepticism turned to awe when presented with examples of size comparison between the Earth and Sun. The Web Cam Imaging presentation was a hit with astronomers at all levels and Frank and Steve's printed images just stunning. Younger children enjoyed

134. Radio Astronomy By Jeffrey M. Lichtman. by Jeffrey M. Lichtman. (Society of amateur Radio astronomers). Cooling . byJeffrey M. Lichtman. (Society of amateur Radio astronomers). Chapter 2. SETI. http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/jml_bk.html

Amateur Radio Astronomy Systems, Procedures, and Projects by Jeffrey M. Lichtman Published by Radio Astronomy Supplies Jeffrey M. Lichtman This exciting new book is the first, all subject, all frequency range compilation of amateur radio astronomy information. A timely collection of amateur radio astronomy projects from amateur radio astronomers and professionals. In addition, radio astronomy basics, antennas, construction techniques and signal processing techniques are covered. Over 200 pages, 3 ring binder PRICE $ 35.00 + $ 5.00 Shipping/$ 55.00 Foreign(Air) Foreword Chapter 1 A PLACE TO START - Radio Astronomy, An Introduction - by Jeffrey M. Lichtman. (Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers) - Radio Astronomy Construction Practices - by Dr. Ken Tapping. Dominion Radio Observatory, Alberta, CANADA. - Radio Telescope Sensitivity and Formulas - by Daniel Fox (SETI League Inc.), Jeffrey Lichtman and Robert M. Sickels. - Cooling - by Jeffrey M. Lichtman. (Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers) Chapter 2 SETI - SETI and the Amateur Radio Astronomer - by Dr. H. Paul Shuch.

135. San Francisco Amateur Astronomers Founded in September 1952, the SFAA is an association of people who share a common interest in astronomy and other related sciences. http://www.sfaa-astronomy.org

136. Prairie Astronomy Club: Amateur Astronomy One way to add variation and excitement is to get involved in one of the activitiesin which amateur astronomers can make contributions to science. http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org/amateurs.html

Amateur Astronomy By: Dave Scherping I feel that part of my role as president is to help our members continue to grow and not lose interest in astronomy. As with most hobbies, if there's no variation or challenges, you may lose interest. One way to add variation and excitement is to get involved in one of the activities in which amateur astronomers can make contributions to science. Astronomy is unique among the sciences in that amateurs can and do play an important role. When was the last time you heard of an amateur chemist, biologist, or geologist making an important discovery? Sure, some amateurs dabble in these sciences but rarely do they contribute significant observations or discoveries. In astronomy, professionals are typically absorbed in teaching and conducting specialized research, and observing time at the major observatories is limited and not easy to come by. This leaves open numerous areas in which amateurs can contribute. Below are a few examples : Comet Hunting is the field that usually comes to mind when we think of amateur discoveries. Mankind has had an interest in comets since the ancient days, and devotion to comet discovery can be traced back many centuries. Since the invention of the telescope, many individuals have devoted entire lifetimes to being the first to observe a new comet. It's the one discovery that eternally carries the name of the discoverer. Comet hunting does indeed require dedication. Avid comet hunters are ready to go at dusk nearly every clear night of the year and are up then a couple of hours before dawn, searching the skies again. Some have searched for years with little success, while others have found several. All will tell you, the rewards are worth it.

137. Chandra :: Chronicles :: Amateur And Professional Astronomers Team Up :: Septemb September 14, 2000 Triggered by alerts from amateur astronomers worldwide NASA sChandra XRay Observatory is observing the outburst of the brightest http://chandra.harvard.edu/chronicle/0300/aavso.html

Amateur and Professional Astronomers Team Up for Chandra Observations of SS Cygni Chandra X-Ray Observatory September 14, 2000 :: Triggered by alerts from amateur astronomers worldwide NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory is observing the outburst of the brightest northern dwarf nova SS Cygni. The amateur stargazers provided Chandra scientists with a crucial early-warning of this outburst by calling-in their visual observations of SS Cygni as soon as they saw the star brightening. With the cooperation of hundreds of amateur astronomers, the Chandra observatory is monitoring SS Cygni's X-ray emission during its maximum brightness. The amateur's observations of this star are done with backyard optical telescopes. The data they provide about the star's optical brightening, combined with the X-ray spectra gathered by the Chandra satellite, will reveal the nature of the flow of gas from a small red star onto its shrunken, dying companion. Dr. Janet A. Mattei, Director of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)a non-profit organization made up of mostly amateur astronomers and her technical staff are coordinating the collection of optical observations of SS Cygni and communicating them to Dr. Chistopher Mauche at Lawrence Livermore National Observatory, CA who is the Principal Investigator of Chandra observations. "For years, amateur astronomers have informed professionals of bursting star systems and other cosmic events" said Mattei. "The cooperation between an organized group of dedicated amateur astronomers, and the professional astronomers who need these observations, is now quite finely tuned. When scientists are in need of ground-based observations to follow simultaneous satellite observations, they know that this worldwide network of amateurs can be depended upon for fast, efficient, and reliable results."

138. Back Bay Amateur Astronomers Founded in 1978 and based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the BBAA are dedicated to Bringing Astronomy to the People of Hampton Roads. http://groups.hamptonroads.com/bbaa/

Apartments AutoPilot CareerConnection Classifieds ... Area Planetariums Updated 5/3/2004 NASA Space Place Skywatch Tales BBAA "In the News" Clear Sky Clocks for BBAA Observing Sites ... Observing Programs and Awards The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers A 501(c)(3) Scientific Educational Organization of Amateur Astronomers A Member Society of the Astronomical League Bringing Astronomy to the People of Hampton Roads The Back Bay Amateur Astronomers PO Box 9877 Virginia Beach, VA 23450-9877 Download our latest Newsletter The June 2004 Back Bay Observer is now on line A Thank You! from Marla Frye our outgoing newsletter editor. Click here The Transit of Venus June 8, 2004 Click here New 5/9/2004 Cliff Hedgepeth describes the first "Cloverwatch". George Reynolds reports on Astronomy Day 2004 at the Princess Anne Library. Click on Event reports And read Wendy Walker's article about Astronomy day events in Franklin Virginia, click on Spotlight New TWO GREAT OBSERVING ARTICLES: Some Winter Observing" by Ron Robisch. And "A New Nebula in Orion" by Kent Blackwell Click on Observing Reports Thank you!

139. Hawaiian Astronomical Society Taxexempt, non-profit organization founded in 1949 to promote astronomy in Hawaii. Affiliated with the Western amateur astronomers, membership is open to all. http://www.hawastsoc.org/index.htm

Hawaiian Astronomical Society Home of Amateur Astronomy in Hawaii What's New? Astronews Deepsky Atlas Views of the Solar System ... Cosmic Thoughts Here are some events coming up: Our next meeting is July 6 at the Bishop Museum in Atherton Halau, next to the Planetarium at 7:30 p.m. Click here for a map of the Bishop Museum. Our next Dillingham star party is on June 19 from 7:30 p.m. until whenever. The next Kahala Park star party is June 26. There is a star party at the Waikele Community Park across from CompUSA at the same time. For the 2004 schedule of public HAS events, go here. A Short "Who we Are" Founded in 1949, the Hawaiian Astronomical Society is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting amateur astronomy in Hawaii. HAS is affiliated with the Western Amateur Astronomers. Membership is open to all. For more information, go here. If you have any questions about the Hawaiian Astronomical Society please (link requires javascript).

140. HubbleSite - NewsCenter - 1992 - 23 - Amateur Astronomers Will Use NASA's Hubble amateur astronomers Will Use NASA s Hubble Space Telescope http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/newsdesk/archive/releases/1992/23/

news GALLERY DISCOVERIES FUN ... releases Amateur Astronomers Will Use NASA's Hubble Space Telescope View all images Six amateur astronomers will have a rare opportunity to use NASA'S Hubble Space Telescope to conduct original research. Officials at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) announced today that the observations were chosen from proposals submitted by amateur astronomers across the nation. Read the full press release text Credit: NASA STScI Find more news releases: About Miscellaneous From about us contact us Cosmology Exotic Galaxy Miscellaneous Nebula Solar System Star Star Cluster Survey more options Search all of HubbleSite: Have you seen this? Are the colors real? Why that odd shape? September 10, 1992 STScI-1992-23 Introduction Release Text Images Also in NewsCenter: Tools for journalists. News Media Resources Stay up to date with Inbox Astronomy. E-mail Lists

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