Folks, last year IFAS approved a proposal to commence an 'Advanced Observing Programme'.
Whilst the title suggests observations beyond those we do 'for the love of the hobby', the programme will embrace and include all levels of amateur astronomer. You don't even need a telescope!
What you do need is an interest in participating in real science and just a little spare time.
Eamonn Ansbro and Dave McDonald will present the AOP at the Whirpool Star Party at the end of September 2006 (day/time to be confirmed).
We will describe the main elements of the AOP and how you can contribute. It'll last about an hour and we will be encouraging questions and enabling anyone keen to join the AOP to formally register their interest.
After Whirpool we will also circulate the material to IFAS affiliated representatives so those who can't make it to Birr can still get the inside track on what the AOP is and how to participate.
The AOP is open to all . It will need all types of folks to be successful - not just hardcore amateur astronomers.
If you can take images, we need you. If you have spare time to look at images, we need you. If you can use a computer to tabulate data, we need you. If you can write the code that makes a website work, we need you. If you would like to be part of an active contribution to real science in amateur astronomy, we need you. If you're just plain interested, we need you!
We will post further details as they become available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please let us know.
Best regards
Eamonn Ansbro & Dave McDonald
p.s. Thanks to the Whirlpool organisers for giving us this opportunity
  