For more information see https://alcon2018.astroleague.org

Do you have an astro-image taken since March 31, 2017 that you are particularly proud of?? Why not enter it into the 2018 OPT Imaging Awards competition! There are first, second, and third place winners for three categories: Wide Field, Solar System, and Deep Sky. All first place winners receive a $250 gift certificate from OPT, all second place winners receive a $125 gift certificate, and all third place winners receive a $75 gift certificate.

For details, see
https://www.astroleague.org//awards/OPT-Imaging-Awards-Program

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If your club has not yet paid its 2017-2018 Astronomical League dues, please contact the national office, leagueoffice@astroleague.org, ASAP. We are concerned that we haven’t heard from your club as the dues were payable five months ago. We know you want to continue receiving AL benefits – the Reflector, Observing Programs, Awards, Library Telescope Program and more – and we certainly don’t want to lose your club as an Astronomical League member.

Some of our Observing Program Coordinators have decided to retire.  This means we are looking for a few folks with experience in the Observing Programs who would be willing to help as Coordinators.  Specifically we are looking for Coordinators for the Lunar Observing Programs, the Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Observing Program, and the Bright Nebulae Observing Program.  If you are interested or want more information, please contact Aaron Clevenson, A National Observing Program Director, at aaron@clevenson.org.  We will be interviewing volunteers in January.  Thanks for yoursupport of the Astronomical league and our wonderful Observing Programs.

The details are all finalized, and the Program is here!  In time for the upcoming apparition of the planet Mars, the Astronomical League is unveiling its Mars Observing Program.  The requirements for this program were developed largely with the help of the Mars Section Coordinator for A. L. P. O.  All of the details can be found under the Observe drop-down menu, under Observing Programs listed alphabetically.  Come join us in exploring the wonder and beauty of Mars.  For more information, contact the Coordinator, Aaron Clevenson at aaron@clevenson.org

If you submitted for this Award, you should have received an email confirmation from the coordinator.  If you did not get one, or are not sure, please send a quick email asking for a confirmation.  If you did the work, we want you to get the Award.  Please send the email to:  aaron@clevenson.org

The deadline for submission for the Solar Eclipse 2017 Special Observing Award is extended to September 30, 2017, to allow for issues related to Hurricane Harvey.  We are also adding some additional information and images to the web page:  https://www.astroleague.org/solar-eclipse-2017-special-observing-award

If you are one of the lucky people who were able to capture stars near the sun during the total eclipse, and you would be willing to share your image with those AL members less fortunate, please send me an email:  aaron@clevenson.org

Or, if you know of pictures on the internet that will work, let mw know.

This is necessary for those trying to earn the Eclipses 2017 Special Observing Award.

Thanks.

Aaron

The AL Council met at the AstroCon in Casper, and adopted additional Observing Awards and Programs.  Details will be announced as the web pages are developed and released.  These are those that were adopted:

Beyond Polaris Observing Program – This is a program for the novice observer; those new to astronomy.  It is similar to the Sky Puppies Observing Program for youth.  Although the Observing Program was already adopted, the Council approved pins for this program.

Binocular Master Observer Award – This new Award was adopted.  The requirement is that the member complete 8 of 9 Binocular Observing Programs.

New Binocular levels and Binocular versions of existing Observing Programs were also adopted:

• Binocular Lunar Observing Certificate – for completing the Binocular and Naked-Eye portions of the Lunar certification.
• Binocular Solar System Certificate – for completing the Binocular and Naked-Eye portions of the Solar System certification.
• Binocular version of the Galileo Observing Program – an alternative certification in addition to the standard certification

Celestial Sphere Observing Program – This new Observing Program is designed to encourage members to observe in both hemispheres.  In addition to accomplishing existing Observing Programs, the observer is required to accomplish additional requirements.  There are three levels.  “If you have not seen the Northern as well as Southern Hemisphere Skies, then you have not seen it all!”

Mars Observing Program – This Observing Program was adopted pending the completion of the list of requirements.  It should be available for the next apparition of Mars.