What "Real Science" do you do?

sheeny (Al) · #1 23-05-2009, 09:30 AM

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.

astroron (Ron) · #2 23-05-2009, 09:59 AM

Hi Al, good poll but you forgot Supernovae searching

Jen · #3 23-05-2009, 10:58 AM

Im just an admirer Ill leave the science part to the experts

sheeny (Al) · #4 23-05-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroron

Hi Al, good poll but you forgot Supernovae searching

Sorry Ron. I knew there'd be something!

Al.

Kevnool (Kev) · #5 23-05-2009, 11:18 AM

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

Glenhuon (Bill) · #6 23-05-2009, 11:37 AM

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 · #7 23-05-2009, 04:12 PM

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

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

Cheers

theodog (Jeff) · #8 23-05-2009, 06:05 PM

, I missed clicking Spectroscopy as an interest.
Add one to spectroscopy.

taxman (Matt) · #9 23-05-2009, 06:41 PM

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 (Rob) · #10 23-05-2009, 11:57 PM

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 · #11 24-05-2009, 12:32 AM

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

Wavytone · #12 24-05-2009, 12:42 AM

Pangalactic gargleblasting

Alchemy (Clive) · #13 24-05-2009, 08:47 AM

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

PeterM · #14 24-05-2009, 09:18 AM

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 · #15 24-05-2009, 06:19 PM

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

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #16 24-05-2009, 06:55 PM

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 · #17 25-05-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

I love your analogy Peter.

PeterM · #18 26-05-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric

I love your analogy Peter.

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 · #19 26-05-2009, 03:02 PM

Thanks Peter for the offer.

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?

Cheers

astroron (Ron) · #20 26-05-2009, 11:53 PM

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