Crusader
Executive Member
The Object of the Month Challenge
The aim of the challenge is to get you outside to observe new (or familiar) objects each month and allow you to share and compare your observations. It’s a great incentive to actually get your telescope outside and actually use it. Hopefully throughout the challenge you’ll get the chance to discover new wonders, to return to old favourites and to hone your observing skills. It should also be a great challenge for beginners since it will highlight some of the best objects out there, which you might have otherwise missed.
How it works:
Each month a new object will be selected as the observing target for the month. Your job, should you accept the challenge, is to locate the object and record your observation of the object by writing down a description of what you saw. You then need to post your observation report in this thread before midnight on the last day of the month.
What you need:
A telescope or a set of binoculars: While a telescope will yield much more detail on most of the objects selected for the challenge a telescope is NOT a requirement. Most of the objects should be visible in binoculars and you are welcome to post binocular observation. In the event that a object is only suitable for telescope viewing an alternate binocular friendly object will be included as well.
Star charts or astronomy software: You’ll need something to show you where the object is located. If you don’t already have a star chart or astronomy software you don’t need to worry. There are plenty of resources on the web. Stellarium (a free download) is an excellent application that will be able to show you the location of all the objects you might need to track down.
Pen, paper and a red flashlight: You’ll need something to write down your observations – normal pen and paper will do fine. You will also need to preserve your night vision while busy writing. Red light doesn’t affect the dark adaptation of your eye so a red LED flashlight would be ideal. If you don’t have one, you can always get away with putting red cellophane or dark red plastic over a normal flashlight.
Patience, perseverance and a sense of adventure: Some of the objects might be difficult to locate. You might not even be able to see it the first couple of times, even if you are in the right area. Don’t give up! It might take time and effort, but it is well worth the effort.
The Rules:
No GoTo telescopes allowed! You need to find the objects manually by star hopping, “sweeping” or “point and prayer” !
Observations need to made in the specified month. If you have observed the object previously you need to make a new observation.
The observation should be your own and in your own words.
What to include in the observation report:
The aim of the challenge is to get you outside to observe new (or familiar) objects each month and allow you to share and compare your observations. It’s a great incentive to actually get your telescope outside and actually use it. Hopefully throughout the challenge you’ll get the chance to discover new wonders, to return to old favourites and to hone your observing skills. It should also be a great challenge for beginners since it will highlight some of the best objects out there, which you might have otherwise missed.
How it works:
Each month a new object will be selected as the observing target for the month. Your job, should you accept the challenge, is to locate the object and record your observation of the object by writing down a description of what you saw. You then need to post your observation report in this thread before midnight on the last day of the month.
What you need:
A telescope or a set of binoculars: While a telescope will yield much more detail on most of the objects selected for the challenge a telescope is NOT a requirement. Most of the objects should be visible in binoculars and you are welcome to post binocular observation. In the event that a object is only suitable for telescope viewing an alternate binocular friendly object will be included as well.
Star charts or astronomy software: You’ll need something to show you where the object is located. If you don’t already have a star chart or astronomy software you don’t need to worry. There are plenty of resources on the web. Stellarium (a free download) is an excellent application that will be able to show you the location of all the objects you might need to track down.
Pen, paper and a red flashlight: You’ll need something to write down your observations – normal pen and paper will do fine. You will also need to preserve your night vision while busy writing. Red light doesn’t affect the dark adaptation of your eye so a red LED flashlight would be ideal. If you don’t have one, you can always get away with putting red cellophane or dark red plastic over a normal flashlight.
Patience, perseverance and a sense of adventure: Some of the objects might be difficult to locate. You might not even be able to see it the first couple of times, even if you are in the right area. Don’t give up! It might take time and effort, but it is well worth the effort.
The Rules:
No GoTo telescopes allowed! You need to find the objects manually by star hopping, “sweeping” or “point and prayer” !
Observations need to made in the specified month. If you have observed the object previously you need to make a new observation.
The observation should be your own and in your own words.
What to include in the observation report:
- Time and date of observation
- Equipment used (including telescope size and eyepieces)
- Observing conditions (light pollution, wind, clouds, full Moon etc)
- Description of the object: Here you can write whatever you want. It helps to describe the size, brightness and shape of the object and make note of any prominent stars and features. How easy was it to find the object, etc.
You can use a pair of Binoculars
