Observing Programs

Home Members Calendar Photos Local Resources Blogs Contact Us

Whatcom Association of Celestial Observers currently sponsers two observing programs for it's members. In addition, all of the Astronomical League observing programs are available to members. Once completed, observing logs need to be turned over to our Observing Awards Officer, Richard Just for review.

Richard can be reached at club meetings.

bar

Astronomical League

http://www.astroleague.org/

Listed below are each of the Astronomical League's observing clubs, along with online resources pertinent to that club.

The Observing Clubs offer encouragement and certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects.

Each Club offers a certificate based upon acheiving certain observing goals. These are usually in the form of a specific number of objects of a specific group with a given type of instrument. Ocassionally there are multiple levels of accomplishment within the club. There is no time limit for completing the required observing, but good record keeping is required. When you have reached the requisite number of objects, your observing logs are examined by the appropriate authority and you will receive a certificate and pin to proclaim to all that you have reached your goal.

American Association of Amateur Astronomers

http://www.astromax.com/

Provides the AL's FREE Observe Programs in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document File format at no charge as a service to members of the AAAA, the Astronomical League, and the astronomical community at large

bar

Astronomical League Learner Clubs

Lunar Club
To qualify for the AL's Lunar Club Certificate and pin, you need only be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member-at-Large, and observe 100 features on the moon.
Inconstant Moon
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Moon
Association for Lunar and Planetary Observers
Lunar and Planetary Institute
Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon
Lunar Eclipse Finder
Moonphases Calendar
Urban Club
To qualify for the A.L.'s Urban Club Certificate, you need only be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member-at-Large, and observe 100 objects on the Urban Club list in light polluted skies.
Universe Sampler
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.
Sky Puppy Club
The Sky Puppies Club is designed just for the younger observer. The Astronomical League encourages young observers to hone their skills early since most hobbies and vocational interests begin at an early age.

bar

Astronomical League Binocular Clubs

Binocular Messier Club
Any 50 of the 110 recognized Messier objects may be observed. Any pair of binoculars may be used, but those with objectives between 20MM and 80MM in diameter are recommended.
SEDS Messier Database
Hawaiian Astronomical Society Messier Listing
Deep Sky Binocular Club
The Deep Sky Binocular Club is a list of sixty selected non-Messier objects, and picks up where the Binocular Messier Club leaves off.
Southern Skies Binocular Club
a complete list of binocular objects that can be reasonably observed from the Southern Hemisphere

bar

Astronomical League Telescopic Clubs

Messier Club
Observe 70 Messier objects and keep a record of your observations.
SEDS Messier Database
Hawaiian Astronomical Society Messier Listing
Herschel 400 Club
Observe all the 400 Herschel objects listed and keep a record of your observations.
William Herschel's catalog of Deep Sky objects
Herschel II Club
The Herschel II observing program is an advanced level project focused on improving observers' technical skills by taking thorough field notes and developing accurate technical object descriptions.
Caldwell Club
Sir Patrick Caldwell-Moore has made a catalogue of beautiful and interesting objects you should, literally, go out of your way to observe. Two of the obvious objects were never even given NGC designations.
Hawaiian Astronomical Society Caldwell Listing (reversed)
Arp Peculiar Galaxy Club
Those amateurs either observing or photographing 100 of the 338 Arp Catalog of Peculiar Galaxies will qualify for the Club's certificate
Galaxy Groups & Clusters Club

bar

Astronomical League Topical Clubs

Asteroid Club
To qualify for an AL's Asteroid Club Certificate, you must be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated society or as a Member-at-Large, and you must observe and confirm the required number of asteroids.
Association for Lunar and Planetary Observers
Double Star Club
To qualify for the AL's Double Star Certificate and pin, you need only be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member-at-Large, and observe the 100 selected objects on the included list.

Washington Double Star Catalog
Earth Orbiting 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, including the space shuttle, the international space station - Alpha, several operational vehicles, and numerous rocket bodies.
Heavens-Above
Master Observers Club
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 to be completed by all.
Meteor Club
Becoming a member of the Meteor Club only requires that you are willing to allocate some of your time to looking for nature's fireworks.
The International Meteor Organization
The American Meteor Society
Association for Lunar and Planetary Observers
North American Meteor Network
Meteor Showers
Meteors and Meteor Showers
Planetary Observers Club
The P.O.C. is a list of twenty-seven selected projects designed to introduce you to the pleasures of planetary observing.
Association for Lunar and Planetary Observers
Lunar and Planetary Institute
The Shallow Sky
Sunspotters Club
The purpose of this program is to encourage solar observing with an eye toward educating the amateur astronomer on solar features and their evolution.

Current Solar Images
Comet Observers Club
Comets are important members of our solar system, and their study is important to mankind.
Kronk's Comet page
Potentially observable comets
Sketching a comet
British comet page
Yoshida's home page
Home Members Calendar Photos Local Resources Blogs Contact Us