Parks Observing Challenge Coordinator:Aaron Clevenson |
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Introduction
The Astronomical League is working with states to develop and implement a challenge to encourage people to visit state parks and to enjoy the dark skies and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.
As additional states join us in this effort, we will add them to this challenge.
- Observations include:
- Constellations and asterisms
- Meteors (1 hour of observing, document any that are seen)
- The Moon (Waxing Crescent, First quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, or Waning Crescent)
- The planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune)
- Any deep sky wonders (nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, etc.)
- Earth Orbiting man-made satellites
- Observations may be visual or done with imaging.
- Observations may be done with just the eyes, binoculars, or a telescope.
Requirements and Rules
To earn the certification, you need to meet these requirements:
- Visit 80% of the State Parks with Campgrounds.
- Make at least one astronomical observation in each park.
- Record your observation on the log sheet. (include descriptions, sketches, or images)
- Have a park ranger sign the form.
- When you have met the requirements, email them to the Coordinator for this Observing Challenge.
- Be sure to tell us if you are affiliated with an astronomical society.
Observations should include: (a same observation log, which you may use to record your observations, can be found here:
- Your Name and State where observations were made
- Object Name
- Date and Time
- State Park Name
- Signature of Park Ranger
- Tools Used (Telescope, Binoculars, Eyes-Only).
- Image (for imaging observations), or Description or Sketch (for visual observations)
Observations done as part of this certification count towards other Astronomical League certifications (if you are a member…) and if the requirements for observations for those Observing Programs are met. This may include details of the observations beyond the requirements of this challenge.
You do not need to be a member of the Astronomical League to receive this certification. If you are not a member of the Astronomical League 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 in the member at large .
The certificates, which are suitable for framing, will be emailed to you upon completion of the Challenge. Submit your logs to the Coordinator.
Information for individual Parks
As states join this endeavor, they will be added to this list:
Parks Observing Challenge Coordinator:
Aaron Clevenson
aaron@clevenson.org