Quote:
Originally Posted by astrophotographer
... Why contact NASA? If he were a real astronomer, he should contact the IAU and we also would be fed RA and DEC so others could see if they imaged the same thing.
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I'm glad someone else with a bit more experience in the area mentioned this. My first thought was whether he had contacted any other observatories for confirmation. To me, that's the first step, taken while observing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NGCHunter
.. Now how many amateurs bother to check and see which satellite showed up in their image every time that happens? ... In my opinion, if an amateur were to accidently capture an image of a "visitor" in orbit they'd never even realize it. ...
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Your average, backyard, 2.5", "Let's see if we can find Saturn" astronomer might have a problem. However, the large majority of comets are spotted by amateurs looking specifically for something out of the ordinary; I'd guess they'd have a pretty good idea of what belonged up there and what didn't, even if it were an uncatalogued satellite.