### Question
How does the law define amateur astronomer?


### Answer
Under *51 U.S.C. § 30902*, **amateur astronomer** is defined as:

> an individual whose employer does not provide any funding, payment, or compensation to the individual for the observation of asteroids and other celestial bodies, and does not include any individual employed as a professional astronomer

#### Citation:
  - *51 U.S.C. § 30902*
  - Heading: **Subtitle III-Administrative Provisions > CHAPTER 309-AWARDS**

