Citizen Science & Projects
Amateur astronomy can be more than looking. Your observations can become data.
Variable Stars
Visual estimates and photometry with AAVSO.
No camera requiredBeginner–Advanced
Asteroids & NEOs
Astrometry, image comparison and follow-up observations of moving objects.
ImagingIntermediate–Advanced
Jupiter Impact Detection
Capture planetary video and search for very brief impact flashes.
Telescope + cameraIntermediate
Find a Project
Browse NASA SciStarter for projects matching your interests and equipment.
VariesAll levels
Dark Sky Preservation
Measure skyglow and contribute to light-pollution research.
No telescopeBeginner
Astronomical League Citizen Science
Use the AL special program as a structured path through citizen-science participation.
VariesAll levels
Rapid Response Robotic Telescope (RRRT)
In 2005 BBAA collaborated with Norfolk State University and the University of Virginia on the Rapid Response Robotic Telescope. The project put amateur astronomers into a genuine university research collaboration rather than merely asking volunteers to classify somebody else's data.
The Astronomical League's Reflector documented the collaboration in “Amateurs Team With Local Universities.”
Equipment and experience labels are practical starting points, not eligibility rules. Individual projects set their own requirements.