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Amateur astronomers can and do make a difference in our understanding of the Universe. Today more then ever before, amateurs are filling a valuable niche in the astronomical community.
With limited funds and telescope time, professional astronomers look to amateurs to provide valuable data that may otherwise be lost. Amateur astronomers do not work under the usual constraints facing the professional astronomer. Where a professional can monitor a planet or star once a month, amateurs can pool their data to provide continuous observation. The variety of research that amateurs actively contribute to is stunning. It can range from observing meteor showers with only the naked eyes to hunting dangerous Near Earth Asteroids. Members of the NJAA research group are no exception to this. Many of our members actively produce valuable scientific observations. But this is not all, many of our members are skillful in electronics, telescope building, astrophotography, and many other areas, making for a unique and diverse group.
If you are a member of NJAA and would like to get actively involved, visit one of the NJAA research group meetings held the first Friday of every month. If you are not a member and would like to join, click here
Research Director: William Anthony
Amateur astronomers can make a large contribution to our understanding of the Universe through the study of variable stars. The observations of variable stars allow scientist to understand how stars change through out their life cycle. The importance of simple visual observations an amateur can make must not be underestimated. Amateurs have been producing such scientific observations for the past one hundred years and only through such long-term observations can we truly understand stellar astronomy.
Meteor astronomy is generally neglected by amateurs. This is unfortunate as the field offers an excellent opportunity to contribute observations of scientific value and provides many enjoyable evenings of observing. There are only a few professional astronomers active in meteor research today, therefore the field relies heavily on the amateur for data. With minimal equipment, and knowledge of a few basic concepts, you can begin a lifelong pursuit of meteor observing.
The Solar Group usually meets the 2nd Sunday each month at 2:00PM
Members of the solar group study the closest star to Earth. The Observatory owns a number of telescopes dedicated to the study of the Sun. Some of our group has been experimenting with solar disk photography using both the white light and the H-alpha (Ha) filter. A solar telescope has also been modified to accept a piggyback video camera. Remember, never look directly at the Sun. Always use a safe solar filter and common sense!
We have also constructed a Radio Jove receiver to participate in that NASA sponsored program to monitor solar radio outbursts, cosmic background noise and of course, Jupiter. This we plan to parallel the collection of data with our to Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance station. Meanwhile, our SID station continues to collect data for the AAVSO program.
