IISers contributing to real science

[Alchemy]

I had a brief chat recently to someone doing real science with his astronomy, and albeit brief it was fascinating to know amatuers can really contribute to the body of knowledge and understanding that we have of the universe.

Which leads me to a couple of questions

Have you ever done anything of this nature,
Would you like to contribute to something like this.
What was it you did,
Where do people go to even start contributing.

I will fess up I have been a pretty pictures person, and most likely continue to be, I think it might be nice to be the first one to find a supernovae, but even if I did I wouldn’t know where to go.

I put this in general chat as it could perhaps be more diverse and chatty rather than in the Astro science section.

If youre someone who normally does not say much and does this sort of thing id love to hear all about it.

Clive.

[Ric]

I'm into SN searches Clive.

Still looking for that first one so at the moment I suppose I really haven't contributed too much to real science.

Still its all good clean fun.

[seeker372011]

Dave Gault (Dave G here in IIS) and his merry band of occultationists have done fantastic work over the last several years

[seeker372011]

one simple place to start would be visual variable star observing

[sheeny]

I do the Galaxy Zoo thing.

Home | Galaxy Zoo (http://www.galaxyzoo.org/)

Easy for anyone to get involved.

There's also the Seti@home program that I know others on IIS have contributed to.

I would like to do some real science with spectroscopy when I grow up:P:whistle:.

Al.

[Robh]

Hi all,

In my opinion, everyone here on IIS who contributes their astronomical observations, expertise or knowledge through posts, articles or photos is contributing to real science. We educate each other here and also foster interest in the field of astronomy. The expanding numbers here on ISS shows that we are succeeding in spreading this interest.

One thing I've found is that professional astronomers aren't always the best people to explain their field. Often a lucid contribution by an amateur will explain things in terms more palatable for general consumption. And amateurs can discover new things or make connections that haven't been notice before.

So just contribute!
If you want to go into a specialist field like variable star observing, supernova hunting or occultations, by all means do so.
:thumbsup:

Regards, Rob

[bloodhound31]

I volunteer at the Tracking Station as an explainer. Sometimes the bridge between the scientist and member of the public, needs the down to earth explanation of someone who is passionate about it. I love it! People come and ask the most wonderful questions. Often it can be just as much an education for me as it is for them!

Baz.