ABSTRACT
Amateur astrophotography can be an end in itself or a means of scientific research and in some cases, a bit of both. It might be a surprise for some, but amateur astronomers, with differing degrees of patronage, have significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe, in addition to that from the scientific institutions. As an example, Tom Boles in Suffolk, England has identified over 149 supernova with his private observatory; these brief stellar explosions are of scientific importance and their spectra help determine the size and expansion of the universe. The professional large observatories cannot cover the entire sky at any one time and so the contribution from thousands of amateurs is invaluable, especially when it comes to identifying transient events. I might chance upon something in my lifetime but I have less lofty goals in mind as I stand shivering under a mantle of stars.
