help

Can Amateur Astronomers Participate in Asteroid Research?

-- | February 24, 2016

Question: I neither have a large aperture or fast imaging telescope, neither a large or very sensitive CCD camera. This probably is typical for a lot of amateurs. How can one still truly discover an asteroid in the coming years despite all the large professional surveys like Pan-STARRS or Spacewatch? After all, the Siding Spring Survey Telescope is also only amateur sized, so if they can do it, amateurs should be able, too. If it’s mainly about automated acquisition and analysis software, could an amateur ask for these from the professional surveys? — Lucius

Answer: Yes, in fact, amateur astronomers can participate in a variety of astronomical research projects, including studies of asteroids. Sky and Telescope magazine has a nice listing of Pro-Am Collaboration projects, which includes a project whereby amateurs can assist professional astronomers with observations of asteroids to assist with the OSIRIS-REx mission.

Jeff Mangum

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.