Timeline: A Look Back at Amateur Astronomy

Amateur astronomer David Martines recently observed what appeared to be a structure on the surface of Mars. He claims that it is evidence of life on the planet. The object appears to be a cylindrical capsule that Martines estimates as being 700 ft. long and 150 ft. wide. While NASA claims the image is a glitch in the digital imaging and not proof of Martian life, Martines isn't buying it.

He has named the object "Bio Station Alpha" and published the coordinates if you would like to see for yourself: 71 49'19.73'³N 29 33'06.53'³W are the Martian coordinates to get you there.

Many amateur astronomers have made profound discoveries in space, but Martines is unique in that he found the object while looking at Google Earth's Mars viewer. Looking back, here are some landmark moments throughout history for amateur astronomers.

1913: Russell W. Porter constructs his first telescope

Porter was an engineer and artist who is widely regarded as one of the founders of amateur astronomy. Along with his colleagues of the "Springfield Telescope Makers," Porter experimented in a local basement and disseminated his findings through every possible means. The plans for Porter's first telescope were published in the May 1916 issue of popular astronomy. There were several articles in scientific magazines published regarding Porter, complete with detailed telescope plans and information. The majority of that information was condensed into "Amateur Telescope Making" volumes 1-3, which is regarded as the equivalent of the Bible for amateur telescope making. Porter was also an Arctic explorer and architect. Craters on both the Moon and Mars were later named in his honor.

1941: Grote Reber completes his first radiofrequency sky map

Reber is considered by many to be the most important person in the history of radio astronomy. He was an electrical engineer who worked for radio manufacturers the first 15 years of his career. While Karl Jansky was the first person to use a radio antenna in astronomy, Reber's radio telescope was far superior, and he was the only person using a radio telescope for the next several years. Reber's achievements include being the first person to detect radio emissions from the Andromeda galaxy and the Sun. On a related note, his mother actually taught seventh grade science to Edwin Hubble.

1985: Robert Evans receives the Amateur Achievement Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Robert Evans lists his day job as a minister of the Uniting Church of Australia. He also holds the record for all time visual discoveries of supernovae. Evans gained an interest in astronomy while in the Boy Scouts, and didn't discover his first supernovae until 1981 (uncredited) with a 10" telescope.

March 24, 1993: David H. Levy observes Shoemaker/Levy 9

David H. Levy discovered 23 comets, nine of them visually. He is most famous for discovering Shoemaker/Levy 9, a comet that later crashed into the surface of Jupiter. Levy went on to found the National Sharing the Sky Foundation to help inspire others, especially children, to become amateur astronomers themselves.

July 2, 1995: Thomas Bopp discovers the Halle-Bopp comet

During a star gazing session with the North Phoenix Alternative Astronomical Society, Thomas Bopp observed a comet that was later named after him. The comet Halle-Bopp is possibly the most viewed comet in history due to the length of time it was visible and the media exposure around it. Thomas was a manager at a construction materials factory at the time, and it was the first comet he had observed. Not bad considering it was the comet furthest from the sun ever discovered by amateurs.

David Martines Article, Jetsetting Magazine

Russell W. Porter Bio

Article Written by Porter

Robert Evans Interview with Tenagra Observatories

Thomas Bopp Bio

Hale-Bopp Comet

David H. Levy Bio