The Observing Program Division of the Astronomical League is working closely with the AL Store to bring you updated observing manuals.  Some manuals are currently under revision, but quite a few have been reissued.  These are the manuals that have been re-released:

• A Pathway to the Stars – A new guide specifically aimed at the new observers.  It is a companion guide to the Constellation Hunter Observing Programs and the Beyond Polaris Observing Program.
• Carbon Stars – Detailed information on the stars that are included in the Carbon Star Observing Program.  All the information you need when observing these celestial jewels.
• Galaxy Groups and Clusters – A guide to the very deep sky splendor of distant galaxies.  Images and charts to help the astronomer find these elusive targets.
• Globular Clusters – A guide to the objects in the Globular Cluster Observing Program.  All the details that an astronomer needs to study and observe these beautiful objects.
• Jupiter Observer’s Guide – Done working closely with the A.L.P.O. Jupiter Section.  Contains information that explains the glory of the King of the Solar System.  This manual is not associated with a specific AL Observing Program but is valuable in understanding the features that are visible in modest telescopes.
• Math for Amateur Astronomers – For those who get into it, there is much math to be had in astronomy.  This manual discusses the many different calculations that are useful to amateur astronomers.
• Meteors – Done working closely with the A.L.P.O. Meteor Section.  Information on how to observe and report these fleeting members of our solar system family.
• Planteary Nebulae – Details and images of the objects in the Planetary Nebula Observing Program.  A great companion for the astronomer pursuing these beautiful objects.
• Sky Puppies – These manuals and workbooks are not available through the Store but directly through the Sky Puppy Coordinator.  This program written for those young astronomers 10 years old and younger is free to members and non-members of the AL through a generous grant from the NASA Solar System Educational Consortium.
• Universe Sampler – An introduction to the splendors of the Universe. Not sure what type of objects are your favorites, or how to start observing, this guide provides the help you need.
• Visual Astronomical Observing Journal – A journal for the observer to record information about their visual observations.  Each one can hold roughly 100 observations and is ideal for recording observations related to each of the Observing Programs.

And there are more to come…

The Observing Program Division is excited to announce a new Award: the Observing Program Mentor Award.  The website has all the details: https://www.astroleague.org/observing-program-mentor-award .  This new Award was created to provide a means for memebrs to nominate someone who has mentored a novice astronomer.  Who do you know that deserves this award.  Nominate them today!  

News:  The American Astronomical Society has agreed to acquire Sky & Telescope (S&T)magazine and its related business assets.  For more information:  https://aas.org/posts/news/2019/06/aas-acquires-sky-telescope

November 11, 2019 is the next Planetary Transit.  For the US, this is a monring event.  The website is now updated for this event.  For more information check out the website by clicking here.

Have you ever done Citizen Science?  Would you like to do (more) Citizen Science?  Would you like to know more about what it is?  There are many ways to get involvedand the Astronomical League has decided to recognize our members who get involved.  To get more information on our Citizen Science Program and to find out how to get more involved, check out our website: https://www.astroleague.org/citizen-science-program

Aaron Clevenson will be temporaily assuming the role of Coordinator for the Solar System Observing Program.  If you have recently submitted your logs, have any questions, or need to submit your observations, please contact Aaron Clevenson at  aaron@clevenson.org

In conjunction with NASA, the Astronomical League Observing Program Division has developed a new NASA Observing Challenge Special Observing Award to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo landing on the Moon.  This award will have a certificate, but no pin, and is available to members and non-members of the Astronomical League.  For more information, check out the award’s webpage:   https://www.astroleague.org//programs/nasa-observing-challenges-special-awards-introduction  Note that it has a deadline for submission.

If you have not received an award for which you have submitted yourself in the Radio Astronomy Observing Program, please send an email to the current coordinator, Aaron Clevenson at aaron@clevenson.org.

We want to make these awards current.  Thanks.

Are you interested in visiting some of the largest and most sophisticated observatories/telescopes in the world? Do you like sharing your knowledge and astronomical experiences with others? The check out the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program at http://epe.aui.edu/programs/astronomy-in-chile-educator-ambassadors-program/ and APPLY TODAY! Deadline extended to March 24 at 11:59 PM.

The 2019 ACEAP Expedition to Chile will take place July 27 – August 5, and is open to US and international participants. Here are the basics:

• The 2019 ACEAP Team will include a team of 10 individuals,
• It is intended that five (5) slots will be supported by NSF funding (excluding air travel in Chile, and R/T air to Santiago) through the normal ACEAP application and review process. No additional fees will be charged. These 5 slots are open to those in the US or US Territory. Please note that while we anticipate NSF support for the 2019 Expedition, this has not yet been secured. We anticipate confirmation in the near future.
• Four (4) slots will be made available to anyone in the US or abroad who has interest/experience in astronomy education/outreach. Their experience will have to be fully paid for by their institution or self-funded. Cost = $4200 USD excluding R/T airfare to Santiago. These will be filled on a first come first serve basis once initial qualifications have been met.
• 1 slot will be awarded to a Chilean educator who is embedded on the team.
• All 10 Ambassadors will be required to participate in pre-travel sessions and complete the outreach activities when they come home. In return each receives a $500 stipend.

Please visit the ACEAP at http://epe.aui.edu/programs/astronomy-in-chile-educator-ambassadors-program/ and apply TODAY.  Application deadline extended to Sunday, March 24 at 11:59 PM. 

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