What "Real Science" do you do?

[sheeny]

Every so often this topic turns up, so I thought maybe a pretty comprehensive poll in a central thread might be an idea to generate discussion and perhaps crystallize ideas about what real science is being, and can be done by amateurs. Hopefully it will bring those doing some real science out of the woodwork and perhaps provide a lead or contact for those interested in starting.

Feel free to elaborate on what you do in a post, especially if your field of interest is not included in the poll.:P

I do the Galaxy Zoo thing, which is contributing to science and I'm learning spectroscopy which ATM is for my satisfaction. (I enjoy learning;)).

Al.

[astroron]

Hi Al, good poll but you forgot Supernovae searching:whistle:

[Jen]

Im just an admirer :D Ill leave the science part to the experts :lol:
:thumbsup:

[sheeny]

Sorry Ron. I knew there'd be something!:rolleyes:

Al.

[Kevnool]

I,m bordering between Jens comment and technology.
Cheers Kev.

[Glenhuon]

Don't do any science at the moment, but would like to in the future if I can get a permanent home where I can build an observatory.

Bill

[Ric]

Had to vote "Other" Al. I'm like Ron, a SN searcher.:astron:

Still looking for that first one though and everyone will know about it when I do.:lol:

Cheers

[theodog]

:doh:, I missed clicking Spectroscopy as an interest.
Add one to spectroscopy.;)

[taxman]

I like maths, always have.

I am an analyst with the government and I fool around with the Goldbach conjecture and Rosa's conjecture when my 3 bosses (wife, 11 year old and 7 year old) let me.

To me, it has always been the 'cleanest' science...

[Robh]

Sometimes I think science is more unreal than real. I enjoy researching the basis of a theory or formula and identifying any unproven assumptions. I am both a learner and a willing contributor.

Regards, Rob.

[Enchilada]

What happened to the "Double Stars" in the poll? :shrug:

[Wavytone]

Pangalactic gargleblasting :)

[Alchemy]

wow astrophotography is a science... wooohoo im in.

love to do something science wise, love the imaging but dont have the dedication for the pointy end of number crunching and the like i feel

cheers Dr..... nup Professor Clive :D

[PeterM]

Imaging the evidence left behind after the destruction of "The Death Star" by Luke and his mates in other galaxies far, far away - that some incorrectly assume are just stars exploding, how boring.
Where is their imagination after watching the six docos..
I'm with Ron & Ric, so I guess that's other.
PeterM.

[Terry B]

My main interest is photometry. Not very many others yet.

[jjjnettie]

I like taking photos of the cosmos. I enjoy the challenge of learning the skills involved and the finished product allows me to study each object more thoroughly than is possible through the eyepiece.
I don't really classify it as science though, for me it's more like looking at pretty pictures.
What I'd really like to do though is capture lunar meteor impacts. It would give me a chance to make a real contribution to science. The information gathered is used in studies on the viability of permanent Lunar base.

[Ric]

I love your analogy Peter.:lol::thumbsup:

[PeterM]

Thanks Ric, nice to be one of the "others" with such good friendly company. Hows your supernova search progressing? Any resources you need that I have are available if you want them. Send me a PM.
PeterM

[Ric]

Thanks Peter for the offer.:thumbsup:

The SN search is going well and is mainly done with CCD imaging. Nothing to report as yet but I think I just enjoy the buildup of expectation that the next image might be the one.

You wouldn't happen to have the advance coordinates of the next Southern Supernova?:D:rofl::rofl:

Cheers

[astroron]

wow astrophotography is a science... wooohoo im in.
Is It:rolleyes::lol::lol::lol:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol:

[sheeny]

Its a tool to do science with. You will notice the poll is a mixture of astronomical phenomena, tools, and degree of seriousness of the individual's contribution to science.:)

Pity I missed Variable Stars and SN searching...:doh:I knew I'd miss something...:whistle:

Even people who do not do science seriously but take astrophotos can be in the position to make a serendipitous discovery... ("that's funny... that star/crater/storm wasn't in my last shot of this".

:thumbsup:

Al.

[PeterM]

Hi Al,
Great Poll, like it.
You have included Variable Stars in your poll.
Supernova branch off from variable stars - by definition "A Star whose luminosity changes with time". We discover the new star, its spectra is taken, type determined, then plot the light curve - it's a non recurring variable star (ok, Type 2b can re-brighten).
Supernova were included in Halley's 1715 paper of the 6 First Known Variable Stars (including Tychos 1572 & Keplers 1604 Supernova) - obviously because at the time nobody knew about exploding stars.
See
http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Vars/Add/halley_v.html (http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Vars/Add/halley_v.html)

http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Vars/vars.html (http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Vars/vars.html)

As far as Astrophotography / Imaging contributing to real science, you present a good case regarding serendipitous discovery.
Several come to mind, perhaps more famously and recently McNeil's Nebula - a variable reflection nebula near M78 in Orion. Discovered by Jay McNeil (23rd Jan 2004) using a 7.6cm refractor & CCD.
See
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap040219.html
Closer to home and very recently (13th May 2009) Ice In Space member Tornado 33 (Scott) presented his fine image of Planetary Nebula SA2-21 (ESO561-16) in Puppis. Nearby he noted a seemingly uncharted nebula that he dubbed "Scott's Unknown Nebula" - and why not. Me thinks if this had been a little further North it may have generated a lot of interest. If Scott reads this maybe he can bring us up to date with his probable discovery - a contribution to our knowledge and the science of astronomy.

Techniques now employed by amateurs are bringing out incredible detail, often never before seen in familiar objects. NGC3324 in Carina is an interesting point. Also known as the Gabriela Mistral Nebula - even short exposure amateur images clearly show a ladies face in profile, it is quite eery and beautiful at the same time. See.
http://www.astrosurf.com/antilhue/NGC%203324.htm

Many of us became interested in this wonderful hobby firstly inspired by the images we saw in books or programmes while at school - in my case from Patrick Moores The Sky at Night and a photograph of M31. Many professionals who have made amazing discoveries and added to the science may have got their inspiration from watching this programme. To those who ticked Astronomy communicator/educator - you have also contributed in ways you may never know - one comes to my mind - astronomy club presents astronomy night to students some 20 years ago. Young man inspired by the night goes onto to become professional astronomer working here and overseas, discovering and charting many unknown supernova remnants in our galaxy.
Therefore astroclub/communicator/educator contibuted to the science of astronomy.
PeterM.

[Outbackmanyep]

You don't need an observatory to do anything in astronomy science, but whatever you do make sure you record all particulars, date, time, location (GPS positions preferred), weather conditions, instrument and type, magnification, etc etc.

Lunar occultations are a fun way to start!