Autumn Observing Program
Introduction
Welcome to Autumn. This is the time of year to relax and enjoy our area's cooler evenings and our earlier dark skies. Tri-Valley
Stargazers invite you to take up a simple challenge during the months of September, October and November to document
your observations of the 23 astronomical objects shown in the list that follows. We have included a
spreadsheet
that lists the targets for this program and includes a log that you can use to keep track of your progress. You can
also print these files by clicking on these links:
target list and
log.
Rules and Regulations
To participate in this program you must be a TVS member. You should use a telescope with an aperture of 4 inches or
greater. Observations should be made visually, not photographically but using a camera to begin
to develop those skills is worthwhile. Observe all 23 objects and keep a log of your observations
using the provided form or any other that includes this information:
- Date and time
- Observing site
- Seeing and transparency
- Aperture size of telescope
- Power used
- A description of the object as it appears in the eyepiece
- A sketch of one object -- Messier or NGC -- is required
The pictures shown on the Web are just awesome and we suggest you preview the objects in this
list so you'll have an idea of what you're going to observe. Look for the main features and then
use your fine senses -- averted vision and other techniques, per this site:
https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/secrets-of-deep-sky-observing.
Choose one of the Messier or NGC objects and make a sketch. Review the object using photographs
you can find on the internet and see if you can observe the finer features.
Go-to telescopes are allowed, but star hopping is recommended. Star hopping increases one's
familiarity with your equipment and with the stars and constellations. A camera can be used to
supplement your observations but this approach is only for you to capture what you may not see
by eye. Your visual observations are what we want you to report but photographs are a fine
supplement.
Submitting for Certification
When you complete the suggested program you may submit your observations to the TVS
for their review and award recognition.
Links
Targets + log:
Excel format
Target list:
PDF format
Logging form:
PDF format
