Criteria for Identifying an Astronomer as an Amateur

Abstract

While significant contributions of amateur astronomers are generally recognized in the literature, the identification of the individual as an amateur is frequently unclear. As a result, amateur astronomers today have a limited sense of the contributions of earlier amateur astronomers. In part, this problem stems from current usage of the word “amateurish” as a pejorative, representing something not well-done or lacking in quality. In addition, many individuals, who take pride in identifying themselves as amateur astronomers are neither inclined, nor in fact capable, of making a contribution to astronomy. It is important, however, for historians and others who write about the history of astronomy to recognize amateur astronomers and identify the significance of their contributions. For it is through such elaboration that other amateurs will recognize the possibilities and great value that may be associated with their own efforts. Therefore it is necessary to develop a common understanding of the characteristics that distinguish an amateur astronomer from what I identify in this paper as a “recreational sky observer”. Such a classification scheme should help future writers to correctly identify amateur astronomers and their contributions.