Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association has developed a monthly observing and imaging program to offer our members and friends in the community an opportunity to explore various object types, develop our observing skills, and fortify our collective knowledge of astronomy.
These challenges are organized into categories suitable to your individual strengths. We present beginner, intermediate, advanced, lunar and constellation challenges each month. Some of the targets are familiar, and some will advance your abilities as an amateur astronomer.
The astronomical targets are geared to our club’s normal observing sites and sky conditions. All of the challenges are suitable for visual observing and astro-imaging. Below is a description for each type of challenge. We hope you enjoy the program.
A good binocular is your starting point for observing more of the universe than what you can see with your naked eyes. These challenges will help you to navigate the night sky and observe various objects within the constellations. Most objects are visible in modest binoculars from 7x35mm up to the largest binocular you own. Targets include planets, star asterisms, star clusters, double stars, and the bright milky way.
These challenges are designed for the new stargazers to familiarize yourself with the night sky and identify many of the brightest objects. You will learn basic skills of star hopping, names of objects, constellations, planets and other night sky navigation tools. This starting point for exploring the cosmos requires advanced equipment including a small 3-6” telescope and eyepieces. You are introduced to bright galaxies, nebula, globular clusters and other wonders.
The next step in advancing your astronomical abilities, often requiring more advanced equipment, filters, star charts, imaging gear and patience. These deep sky objects (DSO) are fainter, smaller, and more difficult to locate. All targets are capable with a modest 6-10” aperture telescope. We push deeper into the universe to discover new galaxies, nebula, and star clusters.
These targets advanced astronomical equipment including large telescopes of 8-16” aperture, high quality imaging cameras, filters, and advanced observing skills.
The moon is the brightest object in the night sky. Here we spend time learning about the various lunar features including craters, mountains, rilles, maria, valleys, and ridges. The lunar features are visible with binoculars, telescopes, and are great for imaging.
Learning how to stargaze begins with understanding what the various constellations offer for our observing pleasure. We learn how to locate the constellations, how big they are, prominent stars, best deep sky objects, some folklore and history, and when best to observe them. We are able to observe most constellations for several months of the year.
