<p>You can also help the study of variable stars and in particular their light curves - You do not require a big scope for this. See for example the <a href="https://www.aavso.org/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">American Association of Variable Star Observers</a>, or the <a href="http://www.britastro.org/vss/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">British Astronomical Association Variable Star Section</a>.  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-28T10:44:20.980Z
2018-01-28T19:39:34.490Z
2018-01-28T19:39:34.490Z
Dr Chuck
<p>Amateurs do useful scientific work by being many-handed and widely spread.</p>

<p>Many Supernovae are discovered by amateurs. You need a set-up that can image one galaxy after another and look for any "new stars" that appear in them. As you are looking for the appearance of a Mag-14 star you need a big mirror; 90mm might not be enough. However look to <a href="http://www.bosssupernova.com/" rel="noreferrer">Backyard observatory supernova search</a> for more information. With the right equipment, you might find 1 SN every 5000 galaxies imaged.</p>

<p>You can also contribute by observing asteroid occultations. These occur when an asteroid passes in front of a star, blocking out its light. By timing the occultation you can get an idea of the size of the asteroid in one cross-section. If multiple people observe the same occultation from different locations you can get a picture of the shape of the asteroid. See the <a href="http://www.asteroidoccultation.com/" rel="noreferrer">Asteroid occultation site</a> which links to FAQs and a page for submitting reports.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-28T08:33:04.513Z
2018-01-28T08:33:04.513Z
James K
<p>I've been using my Meade 90 ETX for a few years trying to become a better astronomer and am familiar enough with the basics to navigate my way around. I was wondering in what way an amateur astronomer such as myself can contribute to the scientific community. I would like to try and do more than just stargaze and take pictures.</p>

<amateur-observing><fundamental-astronomy>
How can I contribute to the scientific community using my telescope?
Jack Moody
# How can I contribute to the scientific community using my telescope?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-01-27)

I've been using my Meade 90 ETX for a few years trying to become a better astronomer and am familiar enough with the basics to navigate my way around. I was wondering in what way an amateur astronomer such as myself can contribute to the scientific community. I would like to try and do more than just stargaze and take pictures.

**Tags:** amateur-observing, fundamental-astronomy

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-01-28. Score: 9 | Accepted answer

Amateurs do useful scientific work by being many-handed and widely spread.

Many Supernovae are discovered by amateurs. You need a set-up that can image one galaxy after another and look for any "new stars" that appear in them. As you are looking for the appearance of a Mag-14 star you need a big mirror; 90mm might not be enough. However look to [Backyard observatory supernova search](http://www.bosssupernova.com/) for more information. With the right equipment, you might find 1 SN every 5000 galaxies imaged.

You can also contribute by observing asteroid occultations. These occur when an asteroid passes in front of a star, blocking out its light. By timing the occultation you can get an idea of the size of the asteroid in one cross-section. If multiple people observe the same occultation from different locations you can get a picture of the shape of the asteroid. See the [Asteroid occultation site](http://www.asteroidoccultation.com/) which links to FAQs and a page for submitting reports.


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### Answer by username_1 on 2018-01-28. Score: 6

You can also help the study of variable stars and in particular their light curves - You do not require a big scope for this. See for example the [American Association of Variable Star Observers](https://www.aavso.org/), or the [British Astronomical Association Variable Star Section](http://www.britastro.org/vss/).


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