Amateur astronomy

Amateur astronomy is a hobby whose participants enjoy watching the sky, and the abundance of objects found in it with the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes. Even though scientific research is not their main goal, many amateur astronomers make a contribution to astronomy by monitoring variable stars, tracking asteroids and discovering transient objects, such as comets and novae.

The typical amateur astronomer is one who does not depend on the field of astronomy as a primary source of income or support, and does not have a professional degree or advanced academic training in the subject. Many amateurs are beginners or hobbyists, while others have a high degree of experience in astronomy and often assist and work alongside professional astronomers.

Amateur astronomy is usually associated with viewing the night sky when most celestial objects and events are visible, but sometimes amateur astronomers also operate during the day for events such as sunspots and solar eclipses. Amateur astronomers often look at the sky using nothing more than their eyes, but common tools for amateur astronomy include portable telescopes and binoculars.

Stargazing (album)

Stargazing is Alpha's third studio LP, released on 23 March 2004 on the Nettwerk Records record label. Combining trip hop with downtempo the album features the vocalists Wendy Stubbs, Helen White, Martin Barnard and Kelvin Swaby. An additional track, "A Perfect End", is available on special edition of the CD.

Track listing

Stargazing (Leon Jackson song)

Stargazing is the fourth and final single to be released from Scottish singer Leon Jackson's debut album Right Now (2009). It failed to make the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart.

Promotion

Jackson did not appear on any TV show to promote the single, nor was any music video created for the song. The song received very little promotion by Sony BMG. After the release of "Stargazing" failing to chart, Jackson was dropped.

Critical reception

The BBC commented on "Stargazing": "While the lyrics for Star Gazing may be rather saccharine - rhyming star gazing with amazing, is a bit too much to take - the pace and structure, (along with all-important key change) makes it pretty special - which can be said about all the tracks here".

Track listing

Digital download

Chart performance

The song failed to chart inside the UK Singles Charts or the Irish Singles Charts, where is largest fan base remains. After the poor charting position of his previous single, his record label did not spend so much money promoting the track.