That image is amazing, Patrick. The object barely registers above the background level. I can see where a 1-meter class scope might make it a bit easier. Of course, then you'd be finding even smaller, darker, more distant objects at the limit of the telescope. I guess you have to draw the line somewhere. I want to comment on the idea that *science at the telescope should have a positive outcome*. That's not what science is about. Anyone donning the amateur (or professional, for that matter) scientist hat has to do it purely for the love of science. One has to be at peace with, embrace the process itself. Often the outcome of research isn't a discovery, it's a lot of data taking with nothing noted. That in itself sometimes has value. But if you can't do it purely for the zen of the process, then you're bound to be sorely disappointed. Sometimes science means a lifetime of negative results. On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 10:49 PM, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com>wrote:

Just to show would be minor planet hunters what's ahead I've posted the discovery image of K08X02R.

http://users.wirelessbeehive.com/~paw/temp/UOFU12.JPG

An arrow shows where it is. It measured at mag 19.6.

On a related note, I spoke with Jerry Foote this evening.

After reading his post from last night and then speaking with him this evening I'm beginning to think I might be doing a disservice by promoting minor planet discovery.

Discovery is fun, to be sure. But minor planet discovery takes a great deal of time and patience and with the automated searches becoming ever better at what they do it's becoming harder and harder for amateurs to make discoveries (not impossible but hard).

Jerry's suggested projects, on the other had, still take a good deal of work and dedication but have a much better chance of a positive outcome.