Spectroscopic madness--A golden age for amateurs

Abstract

Today, professional instrumentation is dominated by heavily oversubscribed telescopes which focus mainly on a limited number of "fashionable" research topics. As a result, time acquisition for massive star research, including extended observation campaigns, becomes more difficult. On the other hand, massive star investigations by amateur astronomers performing spectroscopic measurements are on a level which can fulfil professional needs. I describe the instrumentation available to the amateur, their observational skills and the potential contribution they can make to the professional community.