It really doesn't do justice to just how much amateurs do contribute. However one should make a distinction between those who regularly contribute and those who are a little more sporadic.
There is a very small percentage of amateurs who 'do science' on a regular basis world wide and a very small percentage compared to the number of professionals. BUT, I wonder how many discoveries the average professional would make throughout their lives? I would hazard a guess that it is a lot less than the average amateur who contributes regularly. W ehave the likes of:
Dave Herrald (B) - Pushing the boundaries of Planetary Satellite astrometry (the only person in the world doing this type of work in recent history),
Bill Bradford (B) - Visual Comet Survey (need I say more)
Bob Evans (B) - Visual Nova and SN Survey (need I say more)
Vello Tabur (B) - Visual and Photographic Survey, Comets, Nova and Variable Stars
Col Bembrick (B), Tom Richards (B), Myself (S) - Minor Planet and Variable Star Photometry
Gordon Garrard (B)(S) - Sidding Spring Survey - Minor Planet and Comet discovery
John Broughton (S) - NEO Survey
(B) Berenice Page Medallists - ASA
(S) Gene Shoemaker Grant Winners - TPS
As I said - just the tip of the iceberg and the fields are wide open for more to join our ranks.
Cheers
David Higgins
http://www.david-higgins.com
