is a field in which many amateur astronomers
are drastically involved the last few years. The evolution of technology
for CCD cameras, telescopes and special software provides the opportunity
to amateur observatories to actively and fruitfully participate in the
search of dying stars. These dying stars, which erupt with a tremendous
force, for a brief period outshine their own host galaxy.
The scientific value of this kind of search lies in the fact that supernovae
provide information about how the Universe was formed, how stars evolve
and how the Universe is expanding. Supernova search is mostly active
in the US and England, where many amateur groups dedicated to this task
have been organized. In Greece until recently, no interest has been
shown in this kind of observations.
The only known amateur astronomer, who is seriously involved, is Konstantinos
Emmanouilidis, a member of Friends
of Astronomy Club of Thessaloniki for years. The results of his
observations were presented to the public at the 3rd Pan-Hellenic Convention
of Amateur Astronomy (October 2003, Halkidiki, Greece), and drew the
attention of both amateur and professional astronomers.
December 2004 marks the formation of the
first Greek Supernova Search Team. It is based at the private amateur
observatory of Mr. Emmanouilidis, which hosts a 12 inch Meade SCT telescope
and a CCD camera. The fast internet connection, which is also provided,
gives the opportunity to the members of the group from Thessalonica
and other regions of Greece (Skiathos, Rodos, Crete) to communicate
and work together. This is actually the first ambitious effort of supernova
search in Greece!
