Identification

• Star gazers are not professional astronomers who study astronomy for compensation, but are rather astronomy enthusiasts who practice watching the sky in their spare time.
  
  

Function

• Most star gazers focus on common objects that many times can be seen with the naked eye. Common objects to observe include the moon, stars, planets and comets, all in an effort to further scientific research.
  
  

Considerations

• Many star gazers use instruments to help them study the sky in addition to what can be seen with the naked eye. Some common equipment includes telescopes, binoculars, cameras and star charts.
  
  

Benefits

• Star gazers have contributed to monitoring stars, tracking asteroids and discovering new comets.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Star gazer and amateur astronomer Thomas Bopp helped discover the Hale-Bopp Comet in 1995.