The May Sky Charts and Events
Check out these files for the May sky charts and significant events in May.
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Observing Program Division Request – On-Line Database
We need your help! We would like to make sure that our on-line database is as accurate as possible. Please take a few minutes and confirm that Observing Program certifications you have earned are represented.
We know that recent ones may not have had a chance to be entered yet, but submissions should have been made on 4/1/2022, so hopefully most of them have made it on-line.
If you find any discrepancies, please send an email to Aaron Clevenson at aaron@clevenson.org. We will do what we can to correct the issues.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Awards are shown in the Astronomy Club in which you were a member when you earned them. If you moved to a new astronomy club, the awards earned in the former club cannot be transitioned.
- If we have the wrong club associated with your award, this we can fix. Sometimes we just get the wrong one entered.
- If you see and missing certifications, we want to know about them. We will have to confirm with the Coordinator, but we can fix this.
- If we have your awards under two slightly different names, or if your name has changed, we can get them all listed under one name. Be sure to tell us about all of the names you found, and also the name you prefer them to be listed under.
- And also anything odd that you find (incorrect numbers, etc.) let us know.
Thanks.
Aaron Clevenson, Cliff Mygatt, Al Lamperti, Maynard Pittendreigh, and Marie Lott
NOTICE TO NEW MASTER OBSERVERS
If you wish to apply for a Master Observer’s plaque, you need to register for ALCON 2022 by May 25. As part of the registration, you should indicate that you are a Master Observer, provide your certificate number, and state that you have not received the Master Observer plaque. You will also need to register to attend the Awards Banquet on 30 July, during which the plaques will be presented. You can register online or by mail.
The registration web page is: https://alcon2022.astroleague.org
Observing Program Division Announcement – Al Observing Challenge – Galaxy Season
The Astronomical League’s Observing Challenge for the Galaxy Season has started. It runs from now through June 30, 2022. This is open to anyone, membership in the AL is not required. For more information, go to the Challenge’s web page:
Observing Program Division Announcement – Silver Level for Alternate Constellations
The Alternate Constellations Observing Program has been split into Silver and Gold Levels. Links have also been added to help you find more information on the various cultural and obsolete constellations. Those members who have already earned the certification have received the Gold Level. Only the 40 observations of Obsolete Constellations are required for the Silver Level.. For full details check out their updated web page:
https://test.astroleague.org/alternate-constellation-observing-program
Observing Program Division Announcement – Silver Level for Youth
The Youth Astronomer Observing Program has been split into the Silver and Gold Levels. This program is a stepping stone for young astronomers (17 years old or younger) to dip ther feet into the Astronomical League’s Observing Programs. Only 25 observations are required from 5 different programs. For full details check out their updated web page:
Observing Program Division Upcoming Event – Newgrange Solstice Sunrise
Newgrange, an archaeoastronomical site located in the Boyne Valley, Ireland is a tomb built during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC (making it older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids). It was built to celebrate the solstice sunrise. Not planning to travel to Ireland? Then this is the next best thing.
Here are links to the Newgrange solstice sunrise livestream three-day event. This livestream from Newgrange is something not to be missed. The events begin at 3:45 am Eastern Time. (8:45 UTC)
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with the National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is delighted to announce that it will once again live-stream the Winter Solstice Sunrise from within the chamber at the Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange. This phenomenal event can be viewed live each morning from the 20th to 22nd December on gov.ie/opw and heritageireland.ie
Thanks to Bob Kerr, Binocular Double Star Coordinator, for bringing the details of this event to our attention.
Observing Program Division Announcement – NEW NASA Observing Challenge
As was announced at the Virtual AL-Con, we have a new Observing Challenge Special Award. In cooperation with NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, we are presenting this new challenge. The target night for your observations is October 16, 2021. For complete details, visit our website by clicking here.
There is also a downloadable certificate for all who participate in the Internation Observe the Moon Night. Click here.
ALCON 2021 Virtual
HOW TO WATCH ALCON ’21 VIRTUAL
Sessions start at 3 pm and 8 pm on August 19, 20, and 21.
https://www.facebook.com/Astronomical.League/
EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC
https://explorescientific.com/pages/explore-alliance-live
YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvCHdJ1vOx0Tt4vR0g2taA
Observing Program Division Announcement – New Web Page
The Observing Program Division has provided another tool to help you find resources from the Astronomical League that will help you with your pursuit of an Observing Program Certification. It is a quick-cross-reference set up by Observing Program with links to the AL Store page for specific manuals and guides.
As new guides or manuals are developed this page will also be updated.