SPECIAL SESSION 8: Amateur and professional astronomers in Europe: how pro-am cooperation is changing astronomy

Many amateur astronomers, after being involved with observing for a number of years, want to do something more. They would like to make a meaningful contribution to astronomy, either through public outreach, informal education, or research. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 has been the ultimate proof that such cooperation are possible, desirable and generate highly valuable outcomes. On the research side, astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs can contribute to leading-edge knowledge. This is made possible by the availability of affordable, advanced equipment, especially CCD cameras and spectroscopes.

During this symposium we will explore the current status of professional and amateur cooperation in astronomy and explore the possible future plans for a common platform to foster or even strengthen cooperation.

SOC:

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