just on the off chance that i ever saw something and thought i was the first for that object, how do you go about reporting the discovery to see if you can stick your name to it?
It depends what it is. If its a fireball, meteor strike etc then I'm not really sure - probably the BAA. Transient lunar phenomena - I think NASA has a reporting page.
Comets and other solar system bodies (including space junk) can be reported to the IAU. Note that reporting procedures are very strict and you should be really sure what you have spotted is 'new'. Your best bet is to report it to the relevent section of the BAA and they should help you out (you'll still get credit). Altenatively, the folks at Armagh might help out also.
HTH
Dave
  