RASC Calgary Centre - Observing Program
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by Jason Nishyama
Page last updated November 5, 2018
The Observing Program
One of the great aspects of astronomy as a hobby is that there is a whole universe of things to
look at. This can also be daunting for someone starting out and trying to figure out what to look
at. One way to make it easier to enjoy this hobby is to set up an observing program. All an
observing program is a goal or goals that allow the astronomer to determine what needs to be
observed and what type of time and equipment is needed to perform the observations. This is what
makes the observing program so useful to an amateur astronomer. Not only does the program narrow
down what to look at, but also can tell you what you'll need for equipment and the time commitment
required.
The first step is to choose your observing program. The program can be as simple as observing and
noting the phases of the Moon over each night in a month to much more complicated programs with
well defined scientific goals such as determining the light curve of a variable star. There are
several programs listed at the National RASC website which upon completion a certificate is
presented to the observer (see
https://rasc.ca/observing/certificate-programs)
for a good place
to start, or come up with your own ideas and goals.
For purposes of example, let's say that you've decided to work on a Messier Certificate, that is
to observe all 110 Messier objects. This is a fairly straight forward observational program and is
quite rewarding personally. From this point it's time to set up the observing program.
First is to determine the time commitment to perform the program. It is theoretically possible to
observe all 110 Messier objects over the course of a year, Messier Marathons aside. That being
said, weather and life often get in the way of observing so for a strictly visual (i.e. not
photographic) Messier program, a two year time frame is reasonable. Also, there is no need to have
to observe on consecutive nights as there would be for a program looking at variable stars would
need which makes this a good program for those who's life outside of the hobby doesn't permit
nightly observations. If the time commitment of the program you initially choose is too much, it
is best to pick a different program that need less time.
Since the time commitment is low, this program of observing all the Messier objects is doable by
most people so we'll go ahead with it. Now we need to determine what kind of equipment is needed.
Charles Messier created his list with quite small telescopes. A modern 102mm (4") telescope is the
equivalent of the telescopes Messier had in his day so that size of telescope is the minimum
needed to complete the program. A mount for the telescope is also obviously needed as well as a
reasonable selection of eyepieces. A good star chart is also helpful. Beyond this nothing other
than clear, dark sky is needed for this program. Other programs may need more specialized
equipment such as filters or CCD imagers which may create an additional expense if you don't
already have the equipment on hand. Since most amateurs with telescopes have telescopes in this
general size range, a Messier observation program possible by most.
So we have the time and the equipment needed to hunt down and observe all 110 Messier objects. So
now the planning stage can begin. Here's where the advantage of narrowing down the universe with
an observing program really helps. What I find useful for my various observing programs is to
create lists on a monthly basis of the objects I still need to observe that will be favourably
positioned in the sky for that month. That way if an opportunity to observe presents itself, I can
just pack up, go and have a list of things to look at. Other types of observing programs (such as
looking at light curves) may require more detailed planning for setting up observing on
consecutive nights.
As with any scientific endeavour, accurate record keeping is essential as well. Recording
information such as the date and time of your observations as well as a general description of the
object will help you when you go back to see what you've observed and what it looked like. If
you're working towards a certificate, recording the date and time is necessary as evidence that
you've observed the object. More practically, by recording this information you'll be less likely
to duplicate observations, keeping you on track. Obviously if you're doing more than a simple
observational program, the amount of information you'll need to record will increase.
So no matter what you decide to do as an observing program, you'll find it a rewarding experience
that will help maintain your interest in the hobby by giving it purpose and focus. You'll also get
that great feeling of completing a project when that last object is crossed off the list!
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