Asterism Observing Program

Asterism Observing Program Coordinators:

Troy Stratton (Observing Program Coordinator)
Michelle Stratton (Assistant Observing Program Coordinator)
5131 Burkman Way
West Valley City, Utah, 84120
tmstratton@q.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

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 100 asterisms from the list provided.

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 a log sheet from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.  They can be found at http://www.rasc.ca/sites/default/files/obsform.pdf

At least 5 of the Naked-Eye asterisms from the list must be included in the submission.

Go-To telescopes are not allowed.

The Asterism List has been separated into recommended viewing categories. There is no specific requirement placed upon equipment to be used, with the exception of the Go-To scope restriction.

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. 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.

Observing Program Coordinator:

Troy Stratton (Observing Program Coordinator)
Michelle Stratton (Assistant Observing Program Coordinator)
5131 Burkman Way
West Valley City, Utah, 84120
tmstratton@q.com

Notes:

Acknowledgments:  Special thanks to my wife, Michelle, for her help and patience in formatting my list and web page, to Sue French, Contributing Editor of Sky and Telescope magazine, for her time to review my asterism list, and to the A.L.’s Observing Program Director, Aaron Clevenson, who stayed with me for over 3 years as I completed the development of this Observing Program.     – Troy Stratton

Links:

References:

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