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How has the Internet changed amateur astronomy?

Jimmy Newland 

Bellaire High School Astronomy

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You can't beat face-to-face

I learn astronomy best by being a part of a club with face-to-face meetings where I can learn hands-on and ask questions. AstronomyHouston.org

Online communities should enhance but not replace the traditional role of the astronomy club.

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Social Networking and astronomy

  • Connect with millions of astronomy fans, coordinate groups and events, & post photos
  • Networking with astronomers of all stripes
  • Can be used by individuals and clubs for communication and event coordination
  • Can post images & links
  • 140 character limit makes tweets short & sweet.
  • Instant access to professional and amateurs from everywhere
  • New community of astronomers with a different dynamic
  • Information is disseminated rapidly about astro events and news

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Social Networking and astronomy

Twitter can be overwhelming and little strange but has a thriving pro-am astronomy culture. You can see my list of astro Tweeps.

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Social Networking and astronomy

Coordinate events with

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Social Networking and astronomy

Find communities with

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Astroblogs

Professional astronomers and science writers and space agencies, astronomy educators, observation logs, astro news, podcasts.

  • As a reader: get ALL the news out there for all astronomy topics sooner than the print stuff
  • Many publications are using blogs and other online content to entice readers or reward subscribers
  • As a blogger: help spread news & contribute & be a part of astroblogging community

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Astro Forums

When you are looking for help with astronomy equipment or astrophotography or need reviews and advice on what to buy or sell or if you want to exchange ideas with other astronomers you can probably find a forum.�

  • CloudyNights.com is the best place to get reviews and ask questions about equipment as well as to find a thriving marketplace for used stuff.
  • UnmannedSpaceFlight.com is a serious place for the armchair astronaut. You can keep up with the latest on robotic spacecraft or rovers and share in the excitement as new images are plucked from obscure web servers and open for discussion.

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Virtual Observatories

Anyone can access professional-quality equipment and access real research data with these tools.�

  • Galaxy Zoo lets anyone be a part of the science using robotically collected data. Users categorize galaxies and mergers better than any software.
  • Tzec Maun Foundation is non-profit group that gives remote access to telescopes and clear dark skies for education and research purposes.