I also started with Turn Left at Orion and used it to become familiar with some of what is out there and then began working on some of the AL's observing clubs. I have really enjoyed them. My first was the Lunar club. I think it is a great one to start with because the moon is easy to find, whereas some of the objects on the other lists require some real star-hopping skill (or setting circles, I suppose). After the Lunar club, I began working on my Bino Messier and Telescope Messier lists. I did them at the same time because they are the same objects. :) I finished the Bino list in November and only have about 20 more objects for my telescope Messier list. I just can't seem to get a clear weekend when I don't have anything planned already. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the certificates. I was expecting them to just be cheesy ones, but they look nice. The only downside is that the club I highly recommend the AL observer clubs because they get you to try to observe things that you might otherwise not bother with, you learn quite a bit about the things you see, and you really improve your skills. For example, I always just considered the moon to be a big ball of light pollution, but after spending a whole month observing it I now welcome it as a familiar friend and usually know where to find it. Next on my to-do list will probably be the Universe Sampler. I know I probably should have done that one before the Messier, but it will take quite a while to finish (just like the Messier has taken me about 6 months) and I had to buy the book for it and I didn't want to fork over cash if the certificates and pins turned out to be lame. Later, I plan on doing the comet, sun, constellation, and planetary clubs. I also bought the Sky Puppy book so my 6 year old can get the Sky Puppy certificate. I wasn't too impressed with the book itself, but unfortunately you have to buy it to do the Sky Puppy program. My 2c, Aaron

-----Original Message----- From: David Trevino [mailto:dotrevino@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 1:13 PM To: Utah Valley Astronomy Association Subject: [UVAA] Observing goals

As you may recall, I am fairly new at star gazing. I am in John and Lisa's telescope making class, and so far I have no complaints about "pushing glass" for a few hours. I hope my telescope turns out well. In the meantime, I am looking for ideas on what to do once my telescope is complete.

I came across the Astronomical League's website, and discovered the "Observing Clubs" (http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/obsclub.html) , which provide lists of activities and observation goals. (Many with an option to obtain a certificate after meeting the goals). I would like to ask to the list if anyone out there has experience with such clubs? Do you recommend some of the lists of objects (like the urban observer or the Binocular observer) as good starting points and guides for newbies like myself?

I also checked out from the library "turn left at Orion", which I intend to use this summer with my trash-scope.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

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