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.

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.