Astronomy is an ever-changing and ever-growing science with new projects, new questions, and new developments arising on almost a constant basis. The best way for any astronomer, professional or amateur, to get started is simply to observe the goings on in the skies around them. Anyone with the ability to look up and learn about what they see can be a valuable participant in the study of astronomy. Astronomy is one of the few sciences in which an amateur can play a role just as important as that of a professional, especially in the cases of the general observations of celestial patterns and new discoveries. Frequently, professional astronomers work alongside amateur astronomers in making celestial observations. Many of the new astronomical discoveries made over the course of the years have been attributed to the hard work of amateur astronomers who were simply making general observations of the skies.

6a. Discoveries by Amateur Astronomers

There have been many discoveries brought to light by observations made by amateur astronomers. One such discovery is the ‘scar’ on Jupiter’s southern hemisphere. Anthony Wesley, a Muggle amateur astronomer from Australia, reported his unusual sighting regarding Jupiter to astronomers at NASA, who, upon further research, declared that the scar very well may have been caused by a meteor strike to the planet’s surface. The discovery of ‘Green Pea’ galaxies also can be attributed to the work of amateur astronomers. A team of volunteer amateur astronomers from the Muggle university Yale, whilst sifting through images of stars on an online database, found the tiny green galaxies which they appropriately named ‘Green Peas,’ after the galaxies’ resemblance to the vegetable. Thomas Bopp, co-discoverer of the Hale-Bopp comet, was a construction manager by profession. Although his partner in the discovery, Alan Hale, was a professional astronomer, they first viewed the comet on the same night, yet independently from one another. Thomas Bopp was simply observing the night sky with friends in the desert when he first observed the comet, in 1995.

One very notable discovery in amateur astronomy is none other than William Herschel’s discovery of Uranus in 1781. At the time of this discovery, Herschel was a professional musician who studied astronomy as a side hobby. Herschel also created his own telescopes, including the one he first used to view the planet. After he made his momentous discovery, he was formally recognised by the scientific community, and introduced to King George III, who put him on salary as an astronomer.

6b. Getting Started in Amateur Observational Astronomy

The sky is a big place that can intimidate someone just starting out as an amateur astronomer. The first thing you should do is get familiar with the sky in a general sense. Familiarise yourself with the phases of the Moon, the constellations in accordance with the movement of the Sun (the ecliptic path), the constellations associated with each of the four seasons, and, most importantly, the celestial sphere. Obtaining a proficient knowledge of these things will give you the sturdy foundation needed to become a successful amateur astronomer. Star charts, lunar charts, and beginners’ books are good places to begin in gaining a basis of general knowledge.

One helpful thing to do in becoming a successful amateur astronomer is to try to immerse yourself fully in your new hobby. Researching astronomical topics and charts, and communicating with other amateur astronomers, are great ways to learn and gain an even better understanding of the topic. Participating in study groups or astronomy clubs not only will help you learn more about existing topics of study, it also will give you new ideas and/or outlooks in the ways you observe the sky, as well as providing a great social networking tool for meeting new friends and workmates who share your passion for the subject. You should always remain open to learning with and from your fellow astronomers.

Although tools aren’t always a requirement in amateur astronomy, they do help a great deal in successful astronomical research and observation. The tools used in astronomy, telescopes most notably, can be quite expensive, so it is best to ‘try before you buy.’ Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, located in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, is an excellent place to research astronomical tools, as you may look at and test the equipment before purchasing it. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about the operation of the tools and telescopes they sell. Also, it is wise to make sure you have certain comfort items available whilst you are observing; as there are so many things to see, you may be at it for quite awhile. If you are outdoors, make sure to have the appropriate attire to remain warm during the cooler nights, as well as a comfortable place to sit. Being comfortable is a very important part of keeping a proper focus whilst conducting your observational research.

A good idea for any amateur astronomer is to keep a detailed log of what you see each time you go about observing the sky. You will want to keep a general reminder of what you have seen and experienced during your studies. It is also a good idea to note any specific tool used in each observation. A simple chart or list is perfectly sufficient in keeping a proficient astronomer’s log. An astronomer’s log is especially helpful for recognizing the patterns in your celestial observations.

Example:

8/13/2012 

11:47pm

Waning Crescent Moon, beginning of Perseids Meteor shower visible near the constellation Sagittarius, clear sky

Omnioculars

Although astronomy is a popular nighttime activity, you should never limit yourself to certain times or certain celestial bodies in collecting your observations. The sky is really the limit when studying astronomy, and it is most rewarding to collect any and all of the information you can on any celestial body you are able to observe, whether during the day or the night. The Sun is a very exciting celestial body to observe, in both active and inactive periods of its sunspot cycle. The sunspot cycle lasts for about eleven years, and can be observed by counting the frequency and placement of the spots on the Sun. In 2012, we are in a particularly active period in the sunspot cycle. As time goes on, sunspot activity will slow for a period of time, and then become active again. When observing the Sun, you will need to use speciality telescopes and/or filters to prevent harm to your eyes. Most shops selling astronomy tools should carry these speciality tools for solar astronomy.

Where you choose to observe is just as important as what you choose to observe. If you are participating in nighttime astronomy, it is best to choose a more remote location away from any light pollution, so you can see the stars clearly. In these low-light conditions, you also will be able to see more faint or distant celestial bodies, such as galaxies and nebulae, when using the correct equipment. Another helpful hint in finding a place to collect your observations is to choose an elevated location with unobstructed views. The Hogwarts astronomy tower is a perfect example of such a location.

6c. Useful Tools for Amateur Astronomers

Although tools are not always completely necessary in amateur astronomy, they help a great deal in collecting your observations. The most common and useful tool is undoubtedly the telescope. A sometimes less expensive and more portable option is a pair of Omnioculars, although they do not provide the same extensive optical range as the higher quality telescopes. Telescopes vary greatly in optical power and price, and it is best to consult shop owners and fellow astronomers when trying to find the right tool for your specific observational needs.

Another invaluable tool is a star chart. Once a proficient knowledge in astronomy is gained, you may be able to create your own star charts, although when beginning, it is best to invest in one that is already made. A star chart is essentially a map of the night sky, divided into a grid, that can be used to locate the positions of your specific observations, or your desired area of the sky to observe.

A lunar chart, also known as a lunar calendar, is also a useful tool when practicing any form of nighttime astronomy. A lunar calendar is a calendar based on the lunar phase cycles. A single lunar phase cycle lasts about 29.35 days. Once you become comfortable enough with lunar astronomy, you can begin creating your own lunar calendars, although like star charts, it is best to invest in a pre-made one to use whilst you are learning. It is always important to know the phase of the Moon when studying any form of nighttime astronomy, as the bright light of a full or large Moon can cause a crippling amount of light pollution when trying to view certain celestial bodies.

6d. Astrophotography

Astrophotography is a popular activity among both amateur and professional astronomers. Astrophotography is the practice of taking photographs of celestial objects. Capturing photographs of celestial events can be a challenging, yet very rewarding, hobby. Many ordinary cameras are unable capture quality photographs of more distant celestial sightings, so a specialised or modified camera is typically desired for astrophotography. Stores specializing in astronomical equipment typically will sell, or offer to order, charmed cameras specifically created for taking detailed photographs of objects in the sky. A common hobby among witches and wizards highly skilled in amateur astrophotography is creating their own charms to bewitch standard cameras into astrophotography cameras, although this is not recommended until a proficient knowledge in both charms and camera-making is gained. When done incorrectly, a bewitched camera has the possibility of exploding. Some of the more expensive telescopes have bewitched cameras already built in, and are very convenient in combining your current astronomical research with the practice of astrophotography.