Dr. Ryle is the Astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory, joining in 2024 after teaching astronomy and physics at Thomas More University for 16 years. During this tenure, he also served as director of the campus observatory, conducting astronomical research with undergraduate students and overseeing a successful outreach program and lecture series.

Dr. Ryle earned his Ph.D. in astronomy from Georgia State University in 2008, focusing on the variability of active galactic nuclei. Since then, his research interests have included eclipsing binary stars, exoplanets, and cataclysmic variables.

Topic: Citizen Science Photometry: How Amateurs Support Modern Astronomy

Description: Astronomy has entered the era of massive sky surveys and space missions that discover new transient events—supernovae, variable stars, exoplanet transits, and more—at a rate that far exceeds what professional astronomers alone can follow up.

This is where citizen scientists play a crucial role. Many astrophotographers already own the equipment needed to collect scientifically valuable photometric data. With the right techniques and coordination, amateur observations can directly support projects led by NASA, the NSF, and research teams around the world.

This talk will introduce the basics of citizen science photometry and highlight specific programs, including NASA’s Exoplanet Watch, where backyard observers are making real contributions to current research.