International Consortium of Robotic Astronomical Researchers

Some thoughts from Martin Nicholson

There are not many branches of science where amateurs regularly contribute significant observations or discoveries. Astronomy is somewhat different, not least because the number of professional astronomers is relatively small and observing time at the major observatories is very limited. This leaves many areas in which amateurs can contribute.

When asked for an example of amateur astronomical discovery comet hunting is usually the first on the list. Until recently there were quite a number of amateur astronomers who invested many thousands of hours hoping to be the first to observe a new comet. I always thought part of the attraction was this was the one area of astronomical discovery that linked the name of the discoverer to the object! Very few amateurs image or carry out astrometry on the fainter or more obscure comets and much useful work could be carried out by a small team.

Hunting for supernovae is an ultra-competitive, very time consuming and even more expensive branch of the amateur hobby requiring dedication beyond that which most of us possess. New supernovae do not carry the discoverer's name but the major players in the field are household names. Strangely, hunting for novae has virtually vanished from the repertoire of amateur astronomers. Recent technological advances have made it a simple matter to image down to magnitude 16+ in a few seconds with even a small telescope and it is only a matter of time before a large scale nova survey is launched.

Observing artificial satellites, exoplanets, telescopic meteors or the minor moons of the outer planets are all areas offering scientific interest, a challenge and the opportunity to go where few, if any, amateurs have gone before.

Observing variable stars is a popular project with many amateurs. Most of the real enthusiasts are members of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) that coordinates observations by astronomers worldwide. Variable stars can be enjoyed at a variety of levels and this branch of astronomy unquestionably offers significant scope for new discoveries.

Another increasingly popular area offering both the scope for new discoveries and for contributing useful scientific data is hunting for new asteroids and carrying out astrometry and photometry on previously known ones.

Finally I would like to mention astro photography - for many people the high profile public face of the amateur hobby. What many people do not realise is that it is relatively easy to find deep-sky objects of scientific interest that have hardly ever been imaged by either professional or amateur astronomers. For example why not consider color imaging of double stars or measuring the separation and position angle of some neglected doubles that have not been looked at since they were discovered? What about data mining for new double stars or how about preparing animations of the short period variables that can be found in both open and globular star clusters?

It is not necessary to use RASO equipment to participate in the activities of ICRAR. However, RASO resources may present an attractive option for those members who have the interest but not have access to the necessary equipment. Others may just wish to use the extremely high quality resources of RASO. Also now there is an opportunity for physically disabled people to actively participate in performing real science.