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The Astronomical League sponsors several
(23 so far) observing programs for its members and others
are being developed. The equipment required for these
various programs ranges from the unaided eye to telescopes
with solar filters. The objects of study range from
very near solar system to very deep sky. Likewise, there
are observing programs to challenge both beginning and
experienced observers. See ASTRONOTE 12 for programs
based on deep sky observing.
The Sky Puppy Club
The first Observe program designed specifically for
children. The workbook style enhances learning through
hands-on projects, matching word excursuses, coloring,
word games, and includes a make-your-own planisphere
project. A Sky Puppy will learn the rudiments of observing,
how to read a chart or planisphere, how to find and
identify constellations, stars, and deep-sky objects.
The Sky Puppy manual, which includes an audio CD-rom
of constellation stories, may be ordered from Astronomical
League Sales.
The Comet Club
In observing the wonders of the universe, there are
perhaps no more wondrous and beautiful objects as comets.
Comets are important members of our solar system and
their study is important to mankind. Observers can receive
a certificate from the Astronomical League for two different
levels of observations. Silver Level - observe at least
12 different comets. Gold Level - observe at least 18
additional comets. A Lapel pin is awarded for the Gold
Level.
The Meteor Club
The Meteor Club requires the least equipment and is
an ideal project for small groups of observers or for
an individual. The information gathered from these meteor
observations is of scientific value and is forwarded
to the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.
The only equipment needed is a pencil and a photocopy
of the appropriate reporting forms, available in The
ALPO Guide to Watching Meteors manual. A reclining lawn
chair may also be desirable. Observers record the number
and magnitude of meteors observed during various meteor
showers. Meteor Club certificates are sent for each
six hours spent observing meteor showers. An honorary
certificate is available for those who have completed
36 hours of observations. The Meteor Club is based on
The ALPO Guide to Watching Meteors.
The Lunar Club
This is the program for deep sky observers who are
frustrated by moonlight! This is the program for city
dwellers who are frustrated by light pollution! This
is the program for young and old, new and seasoned observers
alike! Remember: full moons bring clear skies! The Lunar
observing club introduces our nearest celestial neighbor
in a systematic way. Starting with naked eye observations
and continuing with binocular and telescopic observations,
you need only examine 100 specific aspects and features
of the moon to qualify. All observations have been accomplished
with binoculars as small as 7x35 and telescopes as small
as 60mm refractors. For a real challenge, see how small
an aperture will reveal the requisite detail!
The Sunspotter Club
The Sunspotter observing program is intended for those
with an interest in solar observing. Observers will
need a good quality telescope and a quality solar filter.
In this program, the observer will learn the various
features of solar activity and how these change during
their passage across the solar disk. A regular certificate
is awarded for a series of detailed and labeled sunspot
drawings done over the course of at least five days.
Honorary status is earned when the observer completes
whole disk drawings of the Sun during three solar rotations.
The Sunspotter observing program is based on the League
manual Observe and Understand the Sun.
The Urban Club
Live in an area with light polluted skies? Now you
need not go out to a dark site to qualify for an observing
certificate. Using a telescope in town, you can qualify
by finding a variety of objects including double and
multiple stars, variable stars and objects from the
Messier and NGC catalogs. Discover what you can see
from your own back yard!
The Planetary Observers Club
The Planetary Observers Club is a list of twenty-seven
selected projects designed to introduce you to the pleasures
of planetary observing. To qualify for the Planetary
Observers Club Certificate and pin complete twenty-five
of the suggested projects. Record your observations
on copies of the included log. Some observations may
require sketches, but don't panic; artistic prowess
is not required.
The Asteroid Observers Club
The Asteroid Observers Clubs purpose is to encourage
amateurs to learn to identify and observe asteroids.
While the deep sky objects observable by amateurs remain
the same, year after year, the asteroids (like the other
planets) are constantly moving against the background
of the constellations. By learning to identify asteroids
you will greatly enhance your observing skills. Since
asteroids appear as points of light, rather than extended
objects, they do not suffer from light pollution as
much as deep sky objects. Hence an asteroid observing
program can be carried out quite successfully from urban
or suburban locations.
Satellite Observers Club
This observing program is designed to get those new
to satellite observing familiar with the terminology,
and techniques of tracking satellites. The list of objects
required for the basic award include targets that can
be easily tracked using the unaided eye or binoculars.
After meeting all of the program requirements, award
certificates are issued to the observer.
Universe Sampler Club
The Universe Sampler observing program is a unique
observing program designed specifically for the beginning
observer. It is designed to expose the beginner to a
sample of the many different types of objects that the
Universe has to offer for our observing enjoyment. It
is designed to help the new observer learn his or her
way around the sky and to teach some of the basics of
astronomy. It offers an alternate naked-eye list of
deep sky objects for those who are interested in astronomy
but shy away because they do not have a telescope or
binoculars The Astronomical League offers special recognition
in the form of a Universe Sampler Club Certificate for
those that have completed either the "naked eye"
or the "telescope" path. This program is based
on the Universe Sampler manual.
The Master Observer Club Rules
The Master Observer Award will be given to an Astronomical
League member who has completed at least ten of the
League's observing programs. There is a core requirement
of five observing programs (Messier Club; Binocular
Messier Club; Lunar Club; Double Star; Herschel Club)
to be completed by all. The member will then be allowed
to choose any five of the remaining AL observing programs
to complete the requirements for the Master Observer
Award. Once a member has completed ten of the observing
programs, she or he will be given a certificate and
pin. There is, of course, no charge for the certificate
and pin.
For More Information
The Observe manuals, containing detailed information
and forms needed to complete these programs, are available
from Astronomical League Sales. The address and current
price are listed in the current issue of the League's
quarterly newsletter, the REFLECTOR. Each of the observing
programs, except the Herschel Club or the Binocular
Messier Club (as a class activity), require that the
observer be a member of the Astronomical League, either
through an affiliated club or as a member-at-large.
If you have further questions, send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to the appropriate person:
Urban Club and Master Observers Club: Mike
Benson, 2116 Crystal Drive, Nashville, TN 37210-3333,
(615) 883-6571, E-mail: ocentaurus@aol.com
Lunar Club: Steve A. Nathan,
A. L. Lunar Club, Co-ordinator, 45 Brewster Road, West
Springfield, MA, 01089, (413) 967-9435, E-mail: snathan@k12.oit.umass.edu
Meteor or Sunspotter Clubs: Scott
Kranz, 106 N Darrowby Drive, Raymore, MO 64083-9181,
(816)331-5796, E-mail: skranz@worldnet.att.net
Universe Sampler Club: Amelia
Goldberg, 5115 Stillbrooke Drive, Houston, TX
77035, (713) 721-5077, E-mail: goldberg@infohiwy.net
Planetary Observers Club: Aaron
B. Clevenson, 19411 Cluster Oaks Drive, Humble,
TX, 77346, (281) 852-4667, E-mail: aaron@clevenson.org
Comet Observers Club: Dr. Eric
Flescher, Comet Observers Club, 15016 W. 150th
Street, Olathe, KS, 66062, Phone: 913-780-5902, E-mail:
KCStarguy@aol.com
Asteriod Observers Club: Larry
Robinson, 14680 W. 144th Street, Olathe, KS 66062-9765,
(913) 780-4239, E-mail: lrobinsn@ix.netcom.com
Satellite Observers Club: Steve
Bygren, EOSOC Administrator, 2822 Front Royal
Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919, E-mail: bygrens@codenet.net
Sky Puppy Observers Club: Kevin
Cornwell, 111 E. Puainako Street, Suite 585 #169,
Hilo, HI, 96720, E-mail: kevin@cornwell.net
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