21.   Japan is a world leader in discovering comets, thanks to scores of knowledgeable amateur astronomers.

22.   Most comets are discovered by amateur astronomers who use small telescopes to scan the heavens just before sunrise or just after sunset.

23.   Ms. Worsnopp, the amateur astronomer, said she hoped enthusiasm over the comet would result in street and other lights being dimmed somewhat.

24.   Now it is also visible in the early evening, and amateur astronomer clubs throughout the area have planned sessions through the next several weeks.

25.   One of the best things about the new planet discoveries is that an amateur astronomer had something to do with them.

26.   She also was a lifelong gardener and an enthusiastic amateur astronomer.

27.   Some amateur astronomers have already seen the comet with the unaided eye.

28.   The new comet was discovered independently last Sunday by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, two amateur astronomers in the Southwest.

29.   Then, there is the surprise asteroid that appeared out of nowhere last May in the telescopes of some amateur astronomers in Arizona.

30.   These Iridium satellites have been reflecting sunlight onto the Earth as they orbit, causing amateur astronomers to think they are viewing exploding stars.