The first modern, practical guide to how the backyard observer can contribute to astronomical scienceProjects are more advanced; new sections on meteors, meteor showers, novas and supernovas, and extrasolar planetsDescribes a wide range of research areas where amateurs are gathering new scientific data that will be utilised by professional astronomersDescribes the essential ways in which an amateur's scientific contribution differs from casual 'backyard observing'Provides a concise explanation of the purpose and value of the amateur astronomers' observationsIdentifies the equipment that is needed, observing procedures, data reduction techniques and how and where to submit results