Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program

Earth Orbiting Satellite Observing Program Coordinator:

Brad Young
212 E. 16th St.
Tulsa OK USA 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 (EOSOC). 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 – Alpha, 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.

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 AL’s EOSOC certificate and pin, you need only be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member at Large. If you are not a member now, click here to view information on becoming a member.

To see what kinds of observations are necessary to fulfill the requirements of this observing club, please visit the link at the Colorado Spring’s Tutorial Page.

Every observation log must include:  

  • Name of object
  • Date and Time (local or UT)
  • Latitude and Longitude
  • Seeing and Transparency
  • A sketch of the observation

Submitting for Certification

To receive your EOSOC 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
212 E. 16th St.
Tulsa OK USA 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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