Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program

Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program Coordinator:

Brad Young
239 W 16th Place
Tulsa OK 74119
(918) 629 9160
Email: allenb_young@yahoo.com

 EOSOP Observing Program Pin

Introduction

Welcome to the Astronomical League’s Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program (EOSOP). The purpose of this Observing Program is to introduce observers, new to satellite observing, with the terminology and techniques of tracking satellites. The list of objects required for the certification includes targets that can be easily tracked using the unaided eye or binoculars, including the international space station, several operational vehicles, and numerous rocket bodies such as GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, Russian Molniya spacecraft, and even geosynchronous/geostationary satellites. Some of the smaller targets may require telescopes and/or photographic techniques to identify.

 

 

All observations must be done manually (no device aided locating) and telescopes are NOT allowed.

Options are:

  • 100% done eyes only will receive certificate number with a suffix of “-E”.
  • 100% done with eyes only and binoculars will receive a certificate number with a suffix of ‘-B”.
  • 100% done with imaging will receive a certifiate number with a suffix of “-I”.
  • All other subissions, a combination of imaging and visual, will receive a certificate number with no suffix.

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

Information on the required observations can be found here.

Every observation log must include:

  • Name of object
  • <span;”>Date and Time (local or UT)
  • Latitude and Longitude
  • Seeing and Transparency
  • A sketch of the observation with time marks shown
  • Imaging equipment or binoculars if used

Submitting for Certification

To receive your EOSOP certificate and pin, send a COPY of your observations, along with your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, society affiliation, and to whom the certification should be sent, to:

Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program Chair:

Brad Young
239 W 16th Place
Tulsa OK 74119
(918) 629 9160

Upon verification of your submission and of your active membership in the Astronomical League, your recognition (certificate, pin, etc.) will be sent to you or to the awards coordinator for your society, as you specified.  Your name will also appear in an upcoming issue of the Reflector magazine and in the Astronomical League’s online database.  Congratulations.  Good luck with your next observing challenge.

Notes:

  • Citizen Science:  Orbiting Satellite Observing Program certification, you can also submit your data to the SatFlare database.  This action is required if you are pursuing satellites as a Citizen Science certification with the Astronomical League.  The SatFlare website can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.satflare.com/.

Links:

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