Ask HN: How to become an effective Citizen scientist

I have my own successful startup but I often think about what I would like to do when I retire or have more free time besides potentially starting other companies.

I really enjoy cosmology, astronomy and physics but my skills are unfortunately programming related (I would say computer science but that would be an abuse of the word science).

Everyday in the morning I read wikipedia articles on advance math and science. I probably only understand 10% but I trudge onward in hope that I some day will be better prepared and more likely accepted to be given the chance to help (in the previously mentioned disciplines).

But I'm wondering if maybe I should actually get involved earlier. I see lots of opportunities but some of them are close to mechanical turk / rote (like continuously monitoring road kill). I was hoping to apply some creative programming skills instead.

Are there HN users that are Citizen scientist that were or are programmers? If so... any tips?