This apparition of Mars has begun.  It is still a bit small, and still a morning object (yawn), but now is the time to start honing your skills to meet the demands of the Mars Observing Program.  The Astronomical League developed this observing program to take advantage of Mars’ closest approach (opposition in July).  To accomplish the requirements, you need to begin observing as soon as possible.  Some requirements may take some time to acquire.  If you miss this opposition of Mars, the next one is in 2020.

The Mars Observing Program can be found on the alphabetical listing of observing programs under the Observe dropdown menu, or you can go directly there: https://test.astroleague.org/mars-observing-program.  This is a challenging observing program but we are hopeful that many of you will accept and conquer the challenge.  We look forward to reviewing your accomplishments.  It is time to “go to Mars.”  Join us on this journey.

Aaron Clevenson – Coordinator

Be sure to list your Astronomy Day events on

https://test.astroleague.org//al/general/news/request.html

Wouldn’t it be great if clubs were recognized for their innovation and efforts in putting amateur astronomy directly in front of the public? The Astronomical League, with help from Sky and Telescope and the American Astronomical Society, presents three $150 cash awards, one each for the best event in a large, medium, and small populated service area. In addition, $50 is awarded to a club that consistently holds a quality event.

The Astronomical League is here to help. Wouldn’t it be great if there were helpful aids assisting clubs and individuals in their Astronomy Day and outreach endeavors? There are – download the Astronomy Day Handbook. Wouldn’t it be great if there were materials answering many common questions the public may likely ask? There are – download the numerous Astronomical League Outreach Downloads in either handout or poster format. 

With all the great reasons for participating in Astronomy Day (and other outreach activities), what might be the most important one is also one of the most critical for the continued success of our hobby: Light pollution awareness. Simply put, the more the public knows about the sky and its marvels, the more they will appreciate dark skies, and the more likely they will actively speak out against senseless outdoor lighting. This is a great opportunity for you to affect the course of our hobby and to help benefit your community.

During the weekend of April 21 bring the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars to the people on Astronomy Day. You may very well cause a few of them to want to experience more. You will have touched their lives!

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The Northeast Astronomy Forum – this April 21 and 22 at Rockland Community College is Rockland, NY – is always packed with astronomy! See what it is all about!

Be sure to visit the Astronomical League booth and speak with your AL officers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmRKqQjhu88&t=9s

Nominate your newsletter editor for the Mabel Sterns Newsletter Editor Award
https://test.astroleague.org//al/awards/sterns/sternss.html

Nominate your club webmaster for the AL Webmaster Award
https://test.astroleague.org//al/awards/webmst/webmstr.html

Nominate qualified youths for the Horkheimer Service, Imaging, and Journalism Awards
https://test.astroleague.org//al/awards/horkhmr/horkhmrs.html

Remember, these awards are here to recognize those people who make amateur astronomy happen!

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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://test.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.