re: Too much of a challenge
First, you need an observatory with a powerful telescope (that means a lot of money).
Second, you need to be part of an international team and you agree to only look at a small part of the sky, chosen in advance.
Third, a computer will do the job and you'll be checking screen data and won't even be looking at the sky.
All the other things I'd be missing, then (unless I have another telescope)!
Raoul