Bambury Observing Program

Bambury Observing Program Coordinator:

Steve Boerner
2017 Lake Clay Drive
Chesterfield, MO  63017
(636) 537-2495

Introduction

John Bambury, from Australia, has developed a list of southern sky objects worthy of viewing.  The complete list includes 600 objects.  Any 100 may be used for the Observing Program certificate and pin.  (The pin will only be awarded to members of the Astronomical League, although both certificates can be earned by non-members as well.)  The 600 objects on this list provide an extensive compilation of great targets if you live south of the equator, or can spend more than a couple of nights observing from the southern hemisphere. This list is designed for southern hemisphere observers, yet it includes some objects, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, that are further north than objects normally considered “southern”.  Take a look, choose your targets, and Enjoy!

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 (click here), or join as a Member-At-Large in the AL Store.

To Earn the Bambury Observing Program Award:

  • There are two levels of this award:
    • Regular:  Observe 100 objects from the complete list.
    • Complete:  Observe all 600 objects on the list.
  • “Go-to” Telescopes are allowed.
  • Remote Telescopes are allowed.
  • Keep a log recording your observations including:
    • Object’s name/number
    • Date and time (local or UT)
    •  Your observing location (including Latitude and Longitude)
    •  Seeing and Transparency (visual observations)
    •  Size of telescope used and magnification(s)
    •  Any filters if used
    •  Camera and settings used (imaging observations)
    •  Description of object (visual observations)
  • If you are not a member of the Astronomical League, your certificate(s) will be emailed to you.  The pin is only available to Astronomical League members.
  • If you belong to a club that is affiliated with the Astronomical League, one of your club officers may verify your observations and notify the Astronomical League. If you do not belong to a club, but joined the Astronomical League as a Member-at-Large, you can send your observations directly to the Observing Program Coordinator at the address given on this web page. Send only copies of your observations – originals will not be returned, and remember to mention that you are a League Member-at-Large.

In return, you will receive a certificate, and a pin celebrating your accomplishment.

Your Observing Log:

  • Seeing – is an indicator of how steady the atmosphere is. There are many excellent ways to evaluate seeing. For example – a scale of 1-5 with 1 being a perfectly steady image and 5 being violent turbulence.  A simple standardized scale often used for Astronomical League Observing Programs is:
    • E (excellent) – The brighter stars are not twinkling at all.
    • VG (very good) – The stars are twinkling slightly, but the brighter planets are not twinkling.
    • G (good) – The brighter planets are twinkling slightly.
    • F (fair) – The brighter planets are obviously twinkling.
    • P (poor) – The atmosphere is turbulent.  all objects are twinkling to the points where observation is not practical.
  • Transparency – this is a measure of how faint you can see. This can be affected by humidity, dust, natural sky glow, moonlight, pollution, and observing altitude. Estimating the magnitude of the faintest star you can see is a simple measure of transparency. Whatever scale you use, try to be consistent.

Submitting for Certification

To receive your certificate and/or pin, mail or email a copy of your observations to the Observing Program Coordinator.   Include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and society affiliation.  Indicate to whom the certification should be sent.

Southern Sky Telescopic Observing Program Coordinator:

Brad Young

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.

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