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.
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.