© 2024 New Hampshire Public Radio

Persons with disabilities who need assistance accessing NHPR's FCC public files, please contact us at publicfile@nhpr.org.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN OUR GRAND PRIZE OF $35K TOWARD A NEW CAR OR $25K CASH!

Amateur Astronomers Can Make Significant Contributions

Astronomer Kevin Alton at home in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Alton)
Astronomer Kevin Alton at home in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Alton)

It used to be that “amateur astronomy” meant dragging a telescope into the backyard or up to the roof, gazing at celestial wonders, tracking meteor showers or maybe snapping a photo of the Moon. Major scientific breakthroughs were left to the professionals.

Today, an explosion of publicly-available space data and advanced technology means hobbyists can make significant contributions to the field, all without leaving their den. From the Here & Now Contributors Network, Todd Bookman of WHYY reports.

Reporter

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.