Planetary Observers Club Chair:
Aaron Clevenson
19411 Cluster Oaks Drive
Humble, TX 77346
E-mail: aaron@clevenson.org
Introduction.
Welcome to the Astronomical League's
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. Observing
skills come only with experience. An eye trained by
observing will see more, regardless of what type of
optical aid is used. Good observing skills reinforce
the desire to observe. Observing trains the eye to see.
It is a cycle that has to be willed to happen. Given
the time and effort it WILL happen. Once it happens,
astronomy will become a joyful lifelong experience.
In these days of increasing light
pollution, the wonders of our own solar system may well
take on an increased importance among skywatchers. Dark
skies and moonless nights are not a priority for any
of the listed projects. If you are intrigued by the
enclosed projects, I would refer you to the Association
of Lunar and Planetary Observers. ALPO members regularly
observe solar system objects and have contributed significantly
to our understanding of this corner of the universe.
For more information you may contact:
ALPO Membership Sec./Treas.,
P.O. Box 13456
Springfield, IL 62791-3456.
Whether you decide to go on to serious
data collection or simply observe for your own edification
- enjoy yourself. The sky is there for all. It
is a great equalizer. Beneath its huge expanse we are
all reduced to nearly infinitesimal size, but in trying
to understand it we grow.
Rules and Regulations
To qualify for the A.L.'s Planetary
Observers 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 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. Make as many copies of the log sheet
as you will need. Fill in information appropriate to
that project.
At the end of the projects, you will
find a glossary of terms.
If you need to become a member of
the Astronomical League as a Member-at-Large,
contact the Executive
Secretary.
To receive your Planetary Observers Club Certificate
and award pin, simply
send a copy of your logs along with your name, address,
phone number and club affiliation to Aaron Clevenson,
Planetary Observers Club Chairman,
19411 Cluster Oaks Drive, Humble, TX 77346-2918.
Upon verification of your observations, your certificate
and pin will be forwarded to you or your club's Award
Co-ordinator, whomever you choose.
Happy Observing!
Aaron Clevenson
For a printable version of the Project
Log, click here
PROJECT LOG
NAME OF PROJECT___________________________________________________
Project Begun____________________Project
Ended__________________
Seeing Conditions___________________________________________________
Binocular Size________________________________________________
Telescope: Type______________________________________________
Aperture___________________________________________________
Focal Length________________________________________________
Eyepiece Focal Length________________________________________
Observational Notes, Comments and
Impressions:
______________________________________________________________
Add pages with copies of any supplementary
sketches.
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