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Want to complete more Observing Programs?

Have you ever wanted to start and complete more of the Astronomical League’s observing programs but just didn’t know how? Mike Hotka’s new book, Exploring Amateur Astronomy – Goal Oriented Observing, will not only help you start more observing programs, but will also share an observing methodology to help you get more out of your observing sessions. Mike is a Platinum Master Observer and has completed all but four of the currently existing observing programs. In his book, he shares tips and tricks he learned throughout the years of how to overcome some of these program’s learning curves, so that you can start recording observations sooner. He wrote this book because of his love of astronomy and his desire to share his knowledge of observing celestial objects with others.

 

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Last Call for Solar System Ambassadors 2018

Deadline is fast approaching.  If you are interested in becoming a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, there are only a few days left to apply for this year.

Last Week to Apply to Become a Solar System Ambassador
The annual application period ends on September 30, 2018. If you  
want to join the program in 2019, you only have a few days left to  
submit your application. Click here for the Announcement of  
Opportunity and application form.  

https://solarsystem1.jpl.nasa.gov/ssa/home.cfm

https://solarsystem1.jpl.nasa.gov/ssa/aoapplication.cfm

Aaron

 

 

Herschel Society Updates

Based on some input and suggestions from our Master Observers, we have found a need to update the Herschel Hustle and the Herschel 2400 list.  These updated lists are now on the Herschel Society pages on the Astronomical League website.  If you are pursueing any of the related certifications, please use the msot recent lists.  https://www.astroleague.org/astronomical-league-herschel-society 

A survey concerning efforts in the battle against Light Pollution

Both the International Astronomical Union’s  commission on  light pollution (C.B7) and the International Dark-Sky Association’s Education Committee are trying to glean what light pollution educational activities are happening in North America.  We are asking for your help in completing this VERY short survey asking you if you lead any educational program teaching K-12 about light pollution (and how you do that). Perhaps you used the Quality Lighting Teaching Kit or Globe at Night or another light pollution citizen-science campaign. 

We are also interested in other types of “educational” events such as going before city council to change lighting ordinances, working with urban designers or engineers to put in responsible lighting or conducting dark sky festivals, even a star party that advocates preserving dark skies. There is a range of efforts that bring awareness to the public on issues and solutions surrounding light pollution. 

We would like to hear from you!

Some of the information collected in this form may be used as a part of a presentation to IAU Conference attendees in Vienna, Austria in late August, 2018.

Please respond by August 24th. Please feel free to share the link with a colleague who does this type of outreach. Thank you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SYB3Y5V

What’s Up Tonight, Doc? spreadsheet is now completely up-to-date

The What’s Up Tonight, Doc? spreadsheet has been updated and now includes all of the Astornomical League Observing Programs, including the newest, Nova!

To access the spreadsheet and the latest What’s Up Doc? Newsletter, go to this website:  https://www.humbleisd.net/Page/81224

For more information, contact the author, Aaron Clevenson (an AL Observing Program Director) at:  aaron@clevenson.org

Your Astronomical League is giving away up to eleven Library Telescopes!

Through the vision of the Horkheimer Charitable Fund, the Astronomical League is again offering a free Library Telescope to a lucky Astronomical League club in each of the ten AL regions and to a Member-at-Large.

This wonderful program consists of an Orion 4.5 inch StarBlast Dobsonian (or equivalent) and a Celestron 8-24 mm zoom eyepiece (or equivalent), and a name plate commemorating the late Jack Horkheimer. The value of this opportunity is approximately $300; the potential of the program is enormous.

Submit your completed entry form so that the Astronomical League national office receives it by June 30, 2018. If mailed, the entry must be postmarked no later than June 30, 2018. The winning entry for each region will be announced at the annual Astronomical League Business meeting held at ALCon 2018 in Minneapolis about July 14. Full details of this wonderful program can be found at https://www.astroleague.org/library-telescope-program

The Library Telescope Program is a great club project, one that brings members together while benefiting their community. Indeed, it is the perfect outreach program!

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