Most of them would settle for more controls on light pollution.

I think this guy has already found several.

Amateurs who specialize in this sort of work often have multiple successes. There's no shortage of supernovae,
you just have to look at thousands of galaxies to be able to stumble on one in the act.

There are millions of galaxies within range of amateur scopes, and the usual rate is about 1 SN/galaxy/century. Each SN is visible for several weeks, so the odds are slim, but not impossible, and amateurs now have access to equipment
that makes it possible. But if the jerk across the street leaves his porch light on all night, you're out of business.