The word 'amateur' comes from a Latin root meaning what?
AnswerLover
Amateur comes via French from Latin 'amator', lover: someone who does something for love of it.
Challenge · Facts & stats
Amateur facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about amateur hobbies and pursuits, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
What is an amateur athlete?
AnswerSomeone who competes without being paid as a professional
Amateur status means competing without earning a living from the sport.
Going deeper
How is SOS sent in Morse code?
AnswerThree dots, three dashes, three dots
SOS is ···−−−···, chosen because it is simple and easy to recognize.
What is the brightest planet in Earth's night sky?
AnswerVenus
Venus is the brightest planet as seen from Earth, often called the morning or evening star.
When members of the public collect data to help scientific research, what is it called?
AnswerCitizen science
Citizen science lets amateurs contribute observations, such as bird counts or star data, to real research.
Expert level
How many objects are in the standard Messier catalog popular with amateur astronomers?
Answer110
The Messier catalog lists 110 nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, numbered M1 to M110.
Charles Messier compiled his catalog so these objects would not be mistaken for what?
AnswerComets
Messier was a comet hunter who listed fuzzy objects that could be confused with comets.
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