The Astronomical League

Outreach Downloads from the Astronomical League

John Goss — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 21:48:13 +0000

The Astronomical League offers posters for clubs to download, then have printed for display at their public events such as Astronomy Day. They range in size from 20 x 30 inch sheets to materials that can be mounted on tri-fold project display boards. Some are available in 8.5 x 11 inch format. These documents can be printed at a local print shop at a rate of about $0.75 per square foot for black and white copies. Please visit http://www.astroleague.org/outreach

A few of the titles offered:

Your Are Here — Illustrates our location in the Milky Way galaxy.

Navigating the Spring (or Fall) Night Sky — Gives the novice a tour of the sky.

How is Your Stargazing Knowledge? — Tests the public’s knowledge of the night sky in a friendly, interactive way.

Our Unnatural Night — Confronts the problem of light pollution.

What Telescope is Best for Me? — Guides the newcomer towards a suitable telescope.

How to Find Celestial Objects — Shows the methods amateur astronomers use to locate faint objects with ease.

The Need for Telescopes — Using the moon for comparison, the relative sizes of the planets are shown.

The ABCs of Stargazing — Explains the concepts of angular distance, brightness, and the altitude-azimuth coordinate system.

Is That a Planet or a Star? — Answers the question of how to tell a planet from a star.

If you would like to develop a set of downloadable materials in the style of those already available at Outreach Downloads, please contact Astronomical League President John Goss, president@astroleague.org.

Imaging/Observing Opportunity: Comet Siding Spring Near Miss with Mars October 19

clevenab — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:08:03 +0000

The Astronomical League is working with NASA to bring you some special
observing opportunities and awards. The first of these is coming up very
soon. It is to celebrate the flyby of Mars by Comet Siding-Spring. The
target date is October 19, 2014. Submissions must be made to the NASA
website by December 19, 2014.

In brief, you need to take a picture of the comet and/or Mars and submit it
to the NASA website. You also need to do an outreach event related to this
event before December 19, 2014 and note it when you submit your
image. There is no pin, this does NOT count towards a Master Observer
Certification, but there is a certificate signed by NASA and the AL leaders.

The NASA website address is:
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/challenges.cfm

If you have questions, send them to Aaron Clevenson at aaron@clevenson.org.

Sketching Observing Award

solar — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:24:22 +0000

Coordinator

Cindy L.Krach, DVM
Haleakala Amateur Astronomers
P.O. Box 1164
Kula, Maui HI 96790
Warmvet@yahoo.com

Aloha and welcome to the Astronomical League Sketching Observing Award. This award was created by members of the Haleakala Amateur Astronomers on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. We hope this program will help you gain a greater appreciation for sketching astronomical objects and enhance your skills in recording observations.

Introduction to the Sketching Observing Award Program

Historically astronomers employed sketches to record their observations and ground-breaking discoveries. With the advent of astrophotography one might question why anyone would want to sketch astronomical objects. There is no need to compare the two as they are different forms of recording information. However, while astrophotography requires a sizable investment, computer software & time to process images, sketching requires only paper, a pencil and a few other inexpensive items.

There are many advantages to sketching astronomical objects;

Sketching requires the observer to slow down long enough to record what is being viewed. This requires more time and concentration than writing words in a journal. As a result amateur astronomers develop their observing skills as they see finer details in the objects they sketch.
Sketching provides a permanent record of observations. Details that may be difficult to put into words can be illustrated on paper. It is enjoyable for observers to go back to original observations as time goes by & see how their skills have changed as well as their ability to record details. A sketch can bring back vivid memories of the observation in a way words written may not.
While photographs may bring out beauty & detail of an object, they do not adequately record what is actually observed at the eyepiece by the individual.
Sketching brings about a feeling of accomplishment at having created a lasting impression of the objects observed.

Overview & Purpose

The Sketching Observing Award Program was not created specifically for "artists." It is for everyone regardless of the level of experience or artistic ability. So before you say "but I can't sketch” you may surprise yourself over time with a little patience, care, and practice. There are tutorial links and other resources listed at the end of this page that are highly informative and recommended for those new to sketching astronomical objects. These resources provide an excellent starting point for those that have never sketched or are intimidated by the process. There are also advanced tips for more detailed sketching and for those with more experience.

The main focus of the program is not to make artists out of amateur astronomers, but to help slow down the observing process and improve observing skills over time. As with anything, practice will improve the ability to recreate what is observed in the eyepiece.

The object list was created by members of the Haleakala Amateur Astronomers (HAA) of Maui, Hawaii and includes lunar, planetary, double stars, nebula, open and globular clusters, and more. To qualify for the award certificate and pin observers must sketch 75 of 114 objects on the list. Most of the objects are well within the reach of amateur astronomers in the northern hemisphere, although the list also contains some southern objects from which to choose.

Special thanks to those members of HAA that worked together to create this program;
Cindy L. Krach, Steve McGaughey, Rob Ratkowski, Jan Roberson, Robert Zaleski, & Dr. J.D. Armstrong . The pin design sports a hand sketching a colorized Pleiades, created by Cindy Krach & Steve McGauhey of HAA, with special thanks to graphic artist Kathyrn Ratkowski. For their financial support of this program we would like to gratefully acknowledge the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy, as well as members of Haleakala Amateur Astronomers.

Rules & Regulations

The list contains a wide variety of 114 objects. Only 75 sketches are required for the award of certificate and pin, however observers are encouraged to sketch as many as possible using different techniques. Some objects in the list may be above or below the observer’s latitude. Observers may choose any within their means & region to make up the 75 objects.
Sketch log information should include the observer’s name, object observed, location from which the observation was made, size of instrument & magnification, as well as filters used, seeing & transparency estimates, a short written description of the observation, and the media used to create the sketch. The information does not need to be part of the sketch and can be submitted separately if desired.
All sketches must be performed at the eyepiece, and not from photographs of the object. It is acceptable to clean up sketches in brighter light (smudges, elongated stars, etc) but further enhancements are discouraged if not observed at the eyepiece.
Cardinal directions must be provided on each sketch. For more information on how to determine this see http://www.perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/cardinal.html
Previous sketches are allowed in the program at a maximum of 10 previously sketched objects. All information required for each sketch must be clearly marked with each observation.
Sketches created using digital media will be accepted as long as all information is provided for each sketch.
A template log form is provided. Observers may also use sketch templates from the Belt of Venus website. We recommend printing on sturdy heavy weight paper such as 28# weight. You may also use a bound sketch pad with a minimum of 3” circles drawn to represent the eyepiece. The drawn circles are not a requirement however and sketches may be submitted in any manner so long as all the required information is present for the sketch.
Observers may sketch the object at whatever magnification is most comfortable as long as this provides details needed to represent the object.

Certificate & Award Pin

To qualify for the AL Sketching Observing Award Certificate and Award Pin, you need only to be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member-at-Large and observe and sketch at least 75 objects from the list provided.

Upon completion, please have your sketches reviewed by a local astronomy club officer, ALCor, or local awards coordinator. An email is then sent to the Program Coordinator for confirmation of completion. You may also submit your observations directly to the Program Coordinator. Please mail copies of your sketches & logs to the Program Coordinator, along with your name, address, astronomy club or Astronomical League affiliation, e-mail, and phone number. Please do not send your original logs, as they will not be returned. Upon verification of your observations, your certificate and award pin will be forwarded either to you or your society's Awards Coordinator, whomever you choose.

Suggested Supplies

Paper – Observers may use one of the templates provided or one of their own creation. Sketch circles should be a minimum of 3" diameter. We recommend printing on heavy weight paper such as 28# weight, or a sketch pad such as Strathmore white and/or black. Experimenting with white & black paper as well as colored pencils is encouraged.
Variety of pencils including 2B, charcoal pencils, colored pencils
Gummy kneaded eraser
Blending stumps or tortilla
Sharpener or sandpaper on a small board
Clipboard with rubber band added to the bottom to hold paper down
Charcoal sticks - black & white
Red light to clip on clipboard
Fixative spray to lightly fix the sketch once finished

Observing List

Resources

Introduction To Astronomical Sketching instructional sketching VIMEO video by Jeremy Perez

Belt of Venus Sketching Resources by Jeremy Perez

Sketching DSO's Using the Mellish Technique by Alexander Massey

PCW Sketching Notes/Tutorials by Erika Rix

Sir Patrick Moore Series

“Astronomical Sketching: A Step-by-Step Introduction “ by Richard Handy , David B. Moody , Jeremy Perez , Erika Rix , Sol Robbins

"Sketching the Moon: An Astronomical Artist's Guide" by Richard Handy, Deirdre Kelleghan , Thomas McCague, Erika Rix , Sally Russell

Astronomy Sketch of the Day astronomical sketches by amateur astronomers

The Haleakala Amateur Astronomers would like to gratefully acknowledge Jeremy Perez, Alexander Massey & Erika Rix for allowing links to their excellent sketching resources.

Sketch Templates

Astronomy Sketch Log

http://www.perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/files/LogSheetAstro_Left.pdf

Coordinator

Cindy L.Krach, DVM
Haleakala Amateur Astronomers
P.O. Box 1164
Kula, Maui HI 96790
Warmvet@yahoo.com

What's Up with the Astronomical League - September 2014

Carroll Iorg — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:49:03 +0000

YrMo:

2014-09

In this issue:

50 foot dish needs new home
Presentation of 4th place Horkheimer/O'Meara Journalism Award to Evan Andracek
AAS 2nd 2017 Eclipse Workshop in Columbia, MO

Photo courtesy Tom Martinez
Download newsletter in PDF format

File attachments:

WhatsUpWithAstroLeagueSeptember2014.pdf

What's Up with the Astronomical League - August 2014

Carroll Iorg — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 17:22:59 +0000

YrMo:

2014-08

In this issue:

Survey of night sky star gazing in Illionois
Update on League's Involvement with the Harvard Observatory Project
New Observing Award Programs Approved at ALCon 2014

Download newsletter in PDF format (568 Kbytes)

File attachments:

WhatsUpWithAstroLeagueAugust2014.pdf

Survey: Stargazing at Illinois state parks.

John Goss — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 19:33:43 +0000

Dear Illinois Astronomical League members and friends, and those who live in the neighboring states of Illinois:

In an e-mail conversation with Chicago Astronomical Society President Audrey Fischer, Elizabeth Norden of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has requested input from the Illinois Astronomy community.

If this is something in which you’d like to participate, please fill in the survey below email to:

Elizabeth.Norden@illinois.gov

Elizabeth Norden
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(312) 814-3161

Thank you,

Robert Gadbois
Chicago Astronomical Society

*****************************************************************************************************

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois State Parks: Stargazing Evaluation Form 2014

1. At what Illinois state park do you stargaze?

2. What is the best location at the park from which to stargaze?

3. What existing elements at the park enhance stargazing?

4. What impediments exist to stargazing from the park?

5. How does the security lighting at the park affect stargazing?

6. In your opinion, what specific infrastructure at the park could be altered to

provide enhanced stargazing opportunities?

7. Is there a local stargazer organization associated with the park?

8. Have you previously held events at the park and/or worked with the site

superintendent/interpreter to promote stargazing? If yes, please describe.

Starry Night - A Celebration of Starlight 2014

John Goss — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:04:46 +0000

Astronomical League Announces Youth Award Winners for 2014

Carroll Iorg — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 18:57:53 +0000

Kansas City, MO)--The Astronomical League is pleased to announce the top finishers in its youth award programs for 2014. The first-place winner in the National Young Astronomer Award (NYAA) program is Pranav Sivakumar, from Tower Lakes, Illinois. A freshman at Barrington High School, Barrington, Illinois, his astronomical project uses a novel method developed to identify gravitationally lensed quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Understanding gravitational lensing can help decipher the properties of dark matter and dark energy.

The second-place winner is Katie Shen who lives in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Katie, a junior at Loudoun Academy of Science in Sterling, Virginia, titled her research project, “ Census of HII Regions in Sloan Digital Sky Survey.” These are regions of actively forming stars inside galaxies. The top two finishers have each won an expenses-paid trip to receive their awards at ALCon, the national convention of the Astronomical League, being held in San Antonio, Texas, July 9-12, 2014. In addition, the first place winner will receive a special telescope from Explore Scientific, sponsor of the National Young Astronomer Award program.

The 2014 first-place winner of the League’s Jack Horkheimer/Smith Service Award, is Hagan Hensley, whose hometown is San Antonio. Hagan’s tremendous contribution to outreach activities for his astronomical society, the San Antonio League of Sidewalk Astronomers, earned him this award which is sponsored by the family of the late Jack Horkheimer, of the PBS astronomy program Jack Horkheimer: Star Gazer. In addition to receiving his award, Hagan will receive a $1,000 check in recognition of this special achievement.

GE Austin, is the 1st place winner of the Jack Horkheimer/O’Meara Journalism Award for 2014. The title of his essay was “The Mass of Life”. He lives in the state of Oregon and will be receiving his award in person at ALCon 2014. He will also receive a $1,000 check for his special 1st place essay.

Our NYAA and Horkheimer Service awards are open to high school age youth. The Horkheimer Journalism award is open to youth ages 8-14. For specific entry guidelines, please refer to the Astronomical League website www.astroleague.org.