An astronomer without a telescope?

Can you find a planet or star without using a telescope? The answer surprisingly, is yes. Many astronomers do not use a telescope but use a computer. Amateur astronomer, William Bianco, searches for new stars and planets on his computer. Bianco is a political science professor at Indiana University. He isn't the only scientist that uses the computer, but other professional astronomers also prefer the computer over the telescope. Scientists choose the internet than the telescope because they often fight for telescope usage at major research observatories. Also, the information on the internet is up to date and you are able to access more data to help research. One of the first softwares that was used for astronomy was the SETI. The software sorted through information that measures tiny gravitational movements in a star's motions in search of planets that orbit stars other than our sun. Virtual astronomy didn't become popular until the late 1990's.

In my opinion, I would say that professional and amateur astronomers help each other to study the outer space. Researchers post their data and discoveries online and this allows others to use the information to continue their research.

This can relate to science and life because astronomers reasearch the outer space so others can understand it better and they also search for life on other planets.

This article can be found at cnn.com. http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/01/15/virtual.astronomy.ap/index.html