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Herschel Society Coordinator:Cliff Mygatt |
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Introduction
William Herschel (November 15, 1738 – August 25, 1822), with the help of his sister Caroline, was one of the truly great astronomers. Together they created amazing (and sometimes very large) telescopes, made major contributions to observations of double stars, and also discovered great detail in many deep space objects. The Astronomical League’s Herschel Society has been created to honor his accomplishments and to recognize those members of the League who have pursued his passion.
Are you a member of the Herschel Society yet? If you are among the many who have earned the Herschel 400 Observing Program certification, or the Herschel-II Observing Program certification then you are already a member. Congratulations!
If not, then we look forward to you joining us. To earn these certifications, go to their web pages for instructions, information, and contact information for the Coordinators.
In addition to these two Observing Programs, the Astronomical League has three additional Certificates available.
Note: NGC 4209 is unknown, but may be the star visible with NGC 4185. For the Herschel Hustle certification we are using the star.
The Herschel Society Silver Certificate: Once you have completed the Herschel 400 and Herschel-II Observing Programs you only need to observe 400 more objects on the Herschel observing list. You do not have to earn the two Herschel Observing Program certifications, but you do need to have observed a total of at least 1200 objects on the Herschel observing list. You should use the Herschel Society checklist.
Note: NGC 4209 is not part of the list for the Silver or Gold certifications. It is unknown, but may be the star visible with NGC 4185.
The Herschel Society – Gold Certificate: For observing the 2379 objects on the Herschel observing list you will earn the Herschel Society – Gold Certificate. You should use the Herschel Society checklist.
Note: NGC 4209 is not part of the list for the Silver or Gold certifications. It is unknown, but may be the star visible with NGC 4185.
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).
Submitting for Certification
When you have completed the required observations, contact the Herschel Society Coordinator. Send the list of objects you have observered, and your contact information.
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 on-line database. Congratulations. Good luck with your next observing challenge.
| Herschel Society Coordinator:
Cliff Mygatt |
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Links:
Herschel Hustle downloadable certificate
Herschel Hustle web page
Herschel Society – Herschel Object Checklist (Excel spreadsheet)
Search for your Observing Program awards