Introduction

Welcome to the Decatur Area Astronomy Club's Lunar Observation program. The Lunar Observing Program introduces amateur astronomers to that object in the sky that most of us take for granted, and which deep sky observers have come to loathe. But even though deep sky observers search for dark skies (when the moon is down), this program gives them something to do when the moon is up. In other words, it gives us something to observe the rest of the month, and we all know that the sky is always clear when the moon is up.

The Lunar Observation Program also allows members in heavily light polluted areas to participate in an observing program of their own. This program is well suited for the young, inexperienced observer as well as the older observer just getting into our hobby since no special observing skills are required. It is well balanced because it develops naked eye, binocular, and telescopic observing skills. Finally, the Lunar Observation Program was created as a project that can easily be done by schools and school children, especially those in the inner city.

Rules

To qualify for the DAAC's Lunar Observation Program Certificate you need only be a member of the Decatur Area Astronomy Club, and observe 100 features on the moon.

These 100 features are broken down into three groups:

• 18 naked eye

• 46 binocular

• 36 telescopic features

Any pair of binoculars and any telescope may be used for this program. As a matter of fact, to prove that the Lunar Club could be done with small apertures, we used 7x35 binoculars and a 60mm refractor. So, as you can see, this program does not require expensive equipment. Also, if you have problems with observing the features at one level, you may go up to the next higher level. In other words, if you have trouble with any of the naked eye objects, you may jump up to binoculars. If you have trouble with any of the binocular objects, then you may move up to a telescope. But if you have trouble with any of the telescopic objects, you are on your own. You will have to arrange your own time on the Hubble Space Telescope. Before moving up to the next higher level, please try to get as many objects as you can with the instrument required at that level. Finally, when using binoculars, we recommend that you tripod mount them for stability.

We have made it as simple as possible to log your observations. Just list the instruments that you used at the top of Target List / Log sheet, check off the features as you observe them in the "CHK" column, and then list the date and time you observed the feature in the columns on the right-hand side of the sheet. That is all there is to it.

You must be a member of Decatur Area Astronomy Club to receive this certificate.

Lunar Target List & Log Sheet

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