What is the most impressive object discovered by an amateur astronomer?

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crazychild

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Yeh that is my question.

Could Clyde Tombaugh be considered as an amateur? Although I just read that he has 2 astronomy degrees. However discovering Pluto is pretty impressive.
 
It depends on what you mean by "impressive." Amateur astronomers have discovered powerful supernovae, gorgeous comets, planets orbiting other stars, and many of the same things the professionals have. There are far more amateur astronomers than professionals, looking at far more of the sky at any one time, and the quality of amateur equipment is good enough that the major difference between well-equipped amateurs and professionals is whether or not they get paid for their telescope time.
 
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