Some Remarkable Filipino Amateur Astronomers

Here is a post in contrast to my previous post on the Directory of Philippine Professional Astronomers. This time I'll be featuring the amateur astronomers.

I often argue that amateur astronomers are not individuals to be taken lightly just because of the word "amateur". They include a wide range of individuals that include beginners and those that also do professional work in astronomy. I myself began as an amateur astronomer. In my undergraduate studies I've managed the use and maintenance of the telescopes of the physics department of Silliman University as an amateur astronomer. I also began astro-blogging as an amateur.

So don't look down on being amateur astronomers. You might just end up like these individuals who have made remarkable contributions in the field of astronomy.

Fr. Victor Badillo SJ Father of Philippine Astronomy

(1949-2014)

• Jesuit priest with a PhD in Physics.
• Former director of the Manila Observatory (ADMU) in which he actively conducted solar radio physics
• Founder of the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS)
• Astronomical League of the Philippines' Honorary Director
• Minor planet 4866 designated as Asteroid Badillo by the IAU in honor of his works
• Authored several astronomy papers

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Edwin Aguirre and Imelda Joson (Edwelda)

• First Filipinos to have an asteroid designated in their name by the IAU - minor planet 6282 Edwelda, for their contributions in astronomy
•  Science writers/editors in international astronomical publications, particularly Sky & Telescope magazine
• Astrophotographers
• Former officers of the PAS
• Recipients of the 1986 Padre Faura Astronomy Medal, 2006 Father Victor Badillo Astronomy Service Award, as well as several international commendations
• Veteran eclipse chasers
• Proposed and drafted the Executive Proclamation for the National Astronomy Week
• Members of ALP, PAS, American Astronomical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Research Council of the Philippines

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Christopher Go

• A physics graduate from the University of San Carlos
• Founding member of the University of San Carlos Astronomical Society
• One of the country's top astrophotographers
• Discovered 'Red Spot JR' in 24 February 2006 when Jupiter's white oval BA turned red
• Worked with the Hubble Team
• Worked with Celestron
• Member of ALP and American Astronomical Society
• Asteroid 2000 EL157 was designated by the IAU as 30100 Christophergo
• Co-author to several astronomy papers
• Conducts lecture/seminars all around the world in astroimaging and processing

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Dr. Dante Ambrosio Father of Philippine Ethno-astronomy
 (1951-2011)

• Ph. D. in History
• Professor of History at the University of the Philippines
• Pioneered the research on Philippine Ethno-astronomy by documenting local starlore of the Philippines as part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 objectives
• Research published in his book Balatik: Katutubong Bituin ng mga Pilipino

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Citizen Science - How a Non-Scientist Can Contribute to Science

Astronomers have always had two distinctions - the amateur and the professional. Now, when we say amateur we don't mean a newbie or something. In astronomy, the term amateur means individuals who have no formal education in astronomy (not actual scientists in the field of astronomy). They include a large range of individuals who are either beginners, enthusiasts or even those with large contributions and discoveries. Usually amateurs have more time on their hands to do observations than professionals. Some professionals have close to 0 experience with hands-on observations and focus more on analysis of data, computations, simulations, etc.

So how can a non-scientist make contributions? For one, there is an enormous amount of data and not enough people to look at them. Because of this citizen science projects were introduced to allow any individual to help in improving and filtering down large data sets. Here is a listing of some citizen science projects you can get involved with.

1. Galaxy Zoo

This project allows you to get involved in the identification and classification of galaxies by looking at image sets from the SDSS, HST, and UKIRT. It is an interactive project where classifications can be done individually, in groups, or as a class (which I've personally done with my astrophysics students). Basic information on galaxies, papers, and results are available also to public.

2. Cosmo Quest

This project allows you to map other objects in the Solar system. Currently they allow the mapping of the Moon, the asteroid Vesta, and Mercury.

3. Agent Exoplanet

This project allows you to detect exoplanets (planets orbiting around other stars) by analyzing their light curves (plots showing variations in light levels over time). This is headed by astronomers at the Las Cumbres Observatory.

4. Solar Storm Watch 
This project allows you to monitor for solar storms which may then be used for early warning. This is a project by the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the makers of Zooniverse.

5. Be a Martian

This project allows you to improve Martian maps, and assist in research and analysis in an interactive game-like template.

6. SETI@home

This project allows SETI [Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence] to make use of computers connected to the internet to do analysis of radio telescope data while the computer is idle (this citizen science project allows you to contribute w/o actually doing anything).