Astronomical League
TriState members become part of the Astronomical League as members of an affiliated club. One would have to pay $35.00 per year to join as a member-at-large. What will joining Astronomical League do for me? For starters, the quarterly "Reflector" magazine is available on line to members only. This magazine is written for amateur astronomers by amateur astronomers and has articles, cartoons, poetry, book reviews, League business, and information about League services. You can also take advantage of a 10% discount through the League's Book Service.
Want to see your name in a national magazine? By completing any of the Observing Programs you will receive a pin and Certificate of Achievement as well as have your name listed in the "Reflector". With over 50 Observing Programs to choose from, there is one for every taste such as: the Messier, Binocular Messier, Deep Sky Binocular, Herschel 400, Sunspotter, Meteor, Arp Peculiar Galaxy, Double Star and Lunar. Some of these programs are described briefly below along with an image of the award pin. Just click on the text or image to go to the Astronomical League page for that program.
Questions, contact the TriState Astronomical League Coordinator, Matt Orsie at: wvbirder@comcast.net
Visit their web site at: Astronomical League
Some Popular Astronomy League Observing Programs
Thanks to French comet hunter Charles Messier, this is one of the most popular lists of objects known. If you've only just begun to learn the sky, this list will jump start your knowledge and keep you happily occupied for many nights. It's the perfect way to get familiar with some of the skies most beautiful targets. There are 110 required for the award.
Binocular Messier Observing Program
This is another all time favorite list. Binoculars are portable and fun and using them to cruise the night sky while collecting Messiers will sharpen your skills as an observer. Viewing any 50 of the 110 Messiers qualifies for an award.
This program is a must do and will acquaint you with our nearest neighbor, the moon. You'll learn to appreciate the moon more and never look at it the same after completing this intriguing list of 100 lunar features.
The following criteria is needed for the Urban Observing Program:
1) Naked eye limiting magnitude of: 5.6 to 6.0.
2) Only hints of zodiacal light are seen on the best nights in autumn and spring.
3) Light pollution is visible in most, if not all, directions.
4) Clouds are noticeably brighter than the sky.
5) The Milky Way is very weak or invisible near the horizon, and looks washed out overhead.
