Hey Richard.......go read this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Evans_(astronomer)

Bob is a friend of mine. He lives in Hazelbrook, Blue Mountains.
I first met him around about 2001, and did building work on his home for him on and off up until about 4 years ago (I no longer live in the Blue Mountains).
He's the nicest guy you could ever meet, and always willing to show you his gear and sit down over a coffee and talk to you about what he has spotted in the heavens.
I was at his home one day, and he and his wife were most excited about a new supernova Bob had spotted the previous evening. He was waiting for a phone call from some USA lady astronomer doctor who logs the info on the supernovas and records the names of whoever first spots them first.
Bob got the phone call about 11am that day, and hung up the phone with a big smile on his face.....I knew then what had happened....he had spotted a new supernova and contacted the USA observatory some 5 minutes before some Japanese guy did.
I think Bob has the highest score in the world now for visual sitings.
If you ever make it to downunder....I'll intro you to him.....a most interesting man he is.