Observing Certificates

This is a topic that has been mentioned before but that quickly dies out from apathy. I suggest we revise this topic, get some work done on it, and then make a submission to the IFAS committee for their meeting at WSP in September. If we don't get a programme of observing rewards set up, then someone else will. We can either be the first or last. Doubtless we'll be the best, but it would be nice to be first too.

1) What areas should be rewarded? Moon, planets, Messier, Caldwell, Hershcell (sp?), Doubles? Anything else? Naked eye? Binocular?
2) Who should compile the lists of objects to be observed?
3) Who will design the certificates? Should they have the IFAS logo plus the member club logo? Just the IFAS logo?
4) Who will certify the observations?
5) When will awarding take place?

If enough of us pull together on this we can definitely get something in place by september. Any volunteers?

Shane,

Have a read of this. I think the format of the astroleague would be useful place to start. T the Messier catalog would be an obvious one to pick to start off with. Once that was used by a few people and they had "gone through the system" then the remainder could follow suit with any modifications as deemed necessary. Having the participants diary and observing notes checked by say the local club's observing director would be a useful means of ensuring it is all above board.

www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/messier/mess.html

Michael

It does sound like a good idea. However, participation on a club level should be paramount. What I mean is, ask all the clubs to have a volunteer "Director of Observations". I know some clubs have this already (TAS doesn't yet), and its proven already to be a great way to get clubs into the area of public observation e.g. Sidewalk Astronomy programmes.

You would also have to consider the levels of certificates to be awarded, as well as sections. What I mean is for example, I would love to do more astrophotography, but right now (due to high house prices) there's no hope in hell I will have a 330d-or-whatever digital camera to take spectaular photo's with Registrax's help! Therefore, I'm already beaten hands down by the more experienced astrophotographers here!

Amateurs who would love to get involved, but who may also fall behind in the leagues due to only finding their interest in the hobby in recent times, could benefit from learning and practicing their new found ways, AND be awarded for their efforts. Just rewarded, not patronised!

I still have to read the link Michael posted above, but I think this would be a good project to be undertaken by IFAS. Shane, would you consider a start by emailing key members of clubs of this group with your ideas (not just the chairman etc)? I know you must think that with 190 members, and probably only going to have 25-odd unique views of this post, this thread may also die of apathy?

In my honest opinion, IFAS needs to be a bit more assertive in its role of promoting astronomy, and this kind of programme can be a great start. I regret to say that I feel not a whole lot has been acheived through the exemplory hard work that has been put in during the past 1 1/2 years. I know my part on this board is almost insignificant, and I am not bashing what-so-ever what IFAS has achieved, I just think with the amount of people actively involved here, we could achieve a little bit more.
A little more than hosting a club's events with an IFAS banner is needed. We already rank almost top in most search engines when a search for Irish Astronomy is typed in (congratulations! we beat Astronomy Ireland!)) ... lets build on that!



Seanie.

Seanie,

Club participation on this should be mandatory especially now that there's a club in most parts of the country. For those areas that don't have a club, I'm sure some other sort of arrangement can be organised which would ensure it is undertaken in suitable manner.

Certificates could be awarded on the basis of whether it's naked eye, binos or telescope. Each observation could be backed up with a diary recording each relevant observation along perhaps with a sketch and/or a description of what the target looks like to the observer. By linking this into the clubs observing sessions, assistance in locating some of the more difficult targets may help encourage more club members to attend observing sessions. Perhaps "theme" nights such as "Messier Night" for example.

How do these ideas sound? Are they practical?

Clear skies,

Michael

I meant to add, this needs to be more than simply ticking boxes off a list. That's of no use to anyone as there's nothing to learn by doing that. Properly detailed written diary should be encouraged. I for one am very sloppy when it comes to a diary but I know it is the correct way to document observing sessions. These certificates may get observers into the right train of thought from the start.

Basically, what I'm saying is that the learning gained when aiming for the certificate should be the real prize, not just the piece of paper itself

Clear skies,

Michael

Basically, what I'm saying is that the learning gained when aiming for the certificate should be the real prize, not just the piece of paper itself

Good point Michael, but to make it worthwhile for an observer to see it that way is the key.

We all know, any one of us can point a binos or scope and see something... but most of us are not bothered to make reports of what we see or keep a diary of observing (events).

One thing I've started down here is to submit articles to the Tullamore Tribune and Leinster Express for publication (under the auspices of TAS). Using this outlet, and now the new idea of an "Awards for Observation", I've just thought that if local clubs ran their own e.g. monthly competition for observing, and having their reports submitted in the local paper in lieu of an article may be a great incentive, especially to kids coming on-board, to keeping a diary of ones own observations. Books, magazine subscriptions, free memberships to their own club, as well as a certificate and local paper publishing, I think, are great ways to rekindle the spark that has somewhat waned on keeping observation notes, myself included.

Seanie.