Herschel II Observing Program Coordinator:

Candace Pratt
296 SW Moonridge Place
Portland, OR   97225-6466
E-mail: candace@icingsglass.com

Update on the list…

Three of the Herschel II objects were replaced with new objects.  The objects removed from the list are NGC 1750, 1990, and 2253.  These objects were replaced with NGC 1985, 4517, and 7492.  If you have observed any of the objects that were on either previous list before these changes, then they will count toward your 400.  If not, please use this list going forward.  Sorry for the confusion.   (August 1, 2020)

Introduction

Welcome to the Astronomical League’s Herschel II Observing Program. This Observing Program was added in August 1997. Consisting of 400 of the 2,478 deep sky objects catalogued by William Herschel in the late 1700s, the Herschel II is the next level observing project after the Ancient City Astronomers’ Herschel 400 program. The Herschel II Observing Program is an advanced-level project focused on improving an observer’s technical skills by taking thorough field notes and developing accurate technical object descriptions.

The 400 objects in this Observing Program consist of 323 galaxies, 41 open clusters, 21 nebulae, 9 planetary nebula, 3 cluster-nebula, and 3 globular clusters. Most of the objects are between magnitude 11 and 13. In the data gathering phase of the project, approximately 80% of the objects on the list were observed with scopes between 8″ and 13″ aperture. One of the initial hopes for this program was that it could be completed using a scope of 8″ aperture. While an 8″ aperture scope under good dark skies will be able to do a good portion of the list, a 10″ aperture scope or larger will probably be needed to complete the whole program. Since many of the objects are in fields containing numerous other objects, some even superimposed on top of each other, identifying the correct object under these circumstances is a major challenge.

The Herschel II Observing Program is supported and maintained by the membership of the Rose City Ancient Astronomers, of Portland, Oregon. Our club is dedicated to observing the night sky and educating the community.

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 through the AL Store.

To qualify for the Astronomical League’s Herschel II Observing Program certificate and pin, you must complete these requirements:

• Observe the 400 objects listed in this manual and record your observations.
• Develop object descriptions that will include at a minimum:
  • Date and Time (local or UT)
  • Site (including Latitude and Longitude)
  • Seeing and Transparency
  • Instrument used
  • Eyepiece used and Magnification
  • Object descriptions of the 400 objects in your own words, based on your observations

Complete an index of observations in NGC order showing the page number of your descriptions next to the NGC numbers on the list.

Submitting for Certification

Fill out the “Submittal Form, found in the guide in total, or equivalent, and send it to the Herschel II Observing Program Coordinator with your observing log and index.

To receive your Herschel II Observing Program 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:

Herschel II Program Coordinator:

Candace Pratt
296 SW Moonridge
Place Portland, OR 97225-6466
E-mail: candace@icingsglass.com