Asterism Observing Program

Asterism Observing Program Coordinator:

Cliff Mygatt
P.O. Box 8607
Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-265-5418
cliffandchris@wavecable.com

Introduction

People have used their imagination to create pictures in the night sky since the beginning of time. Over the years, these pictures were better defined and organized into the accepted constellations we know today. So how do we identify pictures within the bigger picture? Easy! We call them asterisms. Asterisms are a group of stars that appear to be associated with each other but are not. The most well-known asterism is the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is only a small portion of the larger constellation Ursa Major. We use our imaginations and continue to create pictures in the night sky. This program has been designed to help everyone appreciate the beauty and uniqueness that the night sky provides. Perhaps, as you search the stars to locate the designated asterisms, you will have the opportunity to find a “picture in the night sky” of your very own.

Requirements and Rules

There are three versions of this Oberving Program:

Eyes Only certification: Observe 13 of the Naked Eye objects on the list. Certificate only.
Binocular certification: Observe 15 of the Binocular objects on the list. Certificate only.
Telescope certification: Observe at least 91 objects on the list. At least 5 of the Naked-Eye asterisms from the list must be included in the submission. Certificate and Pin. This is the only level that counts towards the Master Observer Progression.

This certification is available to members of the Astronomical League, either through their local astronomical society or as members at large. If you are not a member and would like to become one, check with your local astronomical society, search for a local society on the Astronomical League Website, or join as a Member-at-large .

To qualify for the Astronomical League’s Asterism Observing Program Certificate and Pin, observe and sketch 91 asterisms from the list provided. There is also an Eyes Only certificate (all 13 objects on the list) and a Binocular certificate (all 15 objects on the list).

To record your observations, you may your own use log sheets as long as they include this information:

Date and Time
Observer’s location (including Latitude and Longitude)
Sky conditions (including Seeing and Transparency)
Equipment used (size of binocular/telescope, magnification etc…)
Name of asterism
A simple sketch of asterism

You may use any log sheet of your choosing as long as you record all of the required information. We recommend this log: https://www.astroleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Observation-Log-Sheet-20241028.pdf

Go-To telescopes and remote are allowed.

The Asterism List has been separated into equipment categories. There is no specific requirement placed upon equipment to be used.

Submitting for Certification

To submit your observations, mail the COPIES of your logs to the Observing Program Coordinator, along with your name, mailing address, astronomy club or Astronomical League affiliation, email, phone number, and to whom the certification should be sent. Be sure to indicate which level of certification you are pursuing. Please do NOT send your original logs, as they will not be returned. Upon verification of your observations, your certificate and pin will be forwarded either to you or your society’s Awards Coordinator, whomever you choose.