Master Observer – Gold Award

Master Observer – Gold Award Coordinator:

David Whalen
1828 East Gate Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
(404) 505-4208
E-mail: dvd.whalen@gmail.com

Introduction

Welcome to the Master Observer – Gold Award step in the Master Observer Progression.  You have seen so many things.  There are still things yet to see.

The goal of the Master Observer – Gold Award is to is to encourage observers to try more, to expand their knowledge and skills.  With this goal in mind, the observer needs to add 10 more Observing Progams for a total of 30.

 

Requirements and Rules

This certification is available to members of the Astronomical League, either through their local astronomical society or as members at large.  If you are not a member and would like to become one, check with your local astronomical society, search for a local society on the Astronomical League Website, or join as a member at large .

The Master Observer – Gold Award will be given to an AL member who has completed the Observer Award, the Master Observer Award, the Advanced Observer Award, the Master Observer – Silver Award, and the ten additional required Observing Programs for a total of 30.  If imaging is an option for completing an Observing Program then it is acceptable as part of the Master Observer – Gold Award.

The Observer must:

  • Earn the Observer Award
  • Earn the Master Observer Award
  • Earn the Advanced Observer Award
  • Earn the Master Observer – Silver Award
  • Join the Master Observers Network (MO-Net)

The observer must complete these five additional Observing Programs:

  • The Outreach Observing Award (at least Stellar Level).
  • The Herschel II Observing Program.
  • The Hydrogen Alpha Solar Observing Program.
  • The Stellar Evolution Observing Program.
  • The Variable Star Observing Program or the Binocular Variable Star Observing Program.

The observer must also complete other Observing Programs to reach a total of 30. (Outreach Observing Awards may only be counted once, regardless of the number of levels earned.)

​Please note that an Observing Program previously completed as part of the Observer Award, the Master Observer Award, the Advanced Observer Award, or the Master Observer – Silver Award can not be counted again for the Master Observer – Gold Award.  When you have completed the requirements for the Master Observer  – Gold Award, you will have completed at least 30 separate Observing Programs.

 

Submitting for Certification

The member should contact the Coordinator of the Master Observer – Gold Award with information that includes:

  • A list of the awards you have completed
  • The certificate number. 
  • Your name, as you want it printed on the certificate
  • Your mailing address
  • Your telephone number
  • Your email address
  • Your club affiliation (If you are a Member at Large, please include that information, too)
  • The name and address of the person to whom the award should be sent (Awards Coordinator?)

Upon verification of your submission and of your active membership in the Astronomical League, your recognition (certificate, pin, etc.) will be sent to you or to the awards coordinator for your society, as you specified.  Your name will also appear in an upcoming issue of the Reflector magazine and in the Astronomical League’s on-line database.  Congratulations.  Good luck with your next observing challenge.

Master Observer – Gold Award Coordinator:

David Whalen
1828 East Gate Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
(404) 505-4208
E-mail: dvd.whalen@gmail.com​

 

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