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Astronomy Before the Telescope Observing Certificate

December 23, 20180 commentsUncategorized

Announcing the latest addition to the Observing Program Department of the Astronomical League:  Astronomy Before the Telescope Observing Certificate.  No telescope?  No binoculars?  No problem!  Relive the excitement of exploring the celestial sphere and its mechanics with tools you can easily make yourself.

Astrolabes, Nocturnals, Viking Sun Stones, Cross Staffs, and more!

Check out the website:  https://test.astroleague.org/astronomy-telescope-observing-certificate

This is an electronic certificate only (no pin).  Upon completion of the requirements (some of these are no small feat) you can earn your certification.

 

The Chilean Perspective

December 4, 20180 commentsUncategorized

I went to Chile with the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador Program.  I share here my experience and the perspectives of others in my 2018 ACEAP cohort:

John Goar: I was captivated and thrilled.  I was a northerner seeing the southern skies for the first time.  If you have ever had the opportunity to see the southern hemisphere sky, then you might have shared my experience.  That night at Cerro Tololo in Chile, all at once, I got to see all the sky territory that, for me, was unknown — alien.  With a sky full of new constellations, I used naked eyes and binoculars to explore.  I knew beforehand that it would be overwhelming, but I also knew it would be amazing.  The Magellanic Clouds, 47 Tucanae and Omega Centauri, Centaurus A, the holy Southern Cross — and the gems kept coming.  So beautiful are the far reaches of the Milky Way!

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Sky Puppies

November 13, 20180 commentsUncategorized

Are there one or more people in your life that are age 10 or younger?  Would you like to get the “into” astronomy but are not sure where to begin?  The Astronomical League has an Observing Program created just for them.  We are now providing this program in conjunction with the NASA Solar System Education Consortium.  If you would like more information, check out the Astronomical League website at:

https://test.astroleague.org//al/obsclubs/skypuppy/skypuppy2.htm

or contact the Coordinator, Aaron Clevenson, at aaron@clevenson.org to request copies of the Sky Puppies Obsersving Manual and Workbooks.  The Observing Program must be completed before their 11th birthday.

Want to complete more Observing Programs?

October 27, 20180 commentsUncategorized

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

September 27, 20180 commentsUncategorized

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

September 6, 20180 commentsUncategorized

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://test.astroleague.org/astronomical-league-herschel-society 

A survey concerning efforts in the battle against Light Pollution

August 8, 20180 commentsUncategorized

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

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