ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE WWW.ASTROLEAGUE.ORG Revised February 2018 20-May-18 1
Overview of the Astronomical League Federation of astronomical societies proposed by amateur and professional astronomers, including Dr. Harlow Shapley First bylaws published in Sky and Telescope, November 1941 The Astronomical League articles of incorporation approved in Washington DC in 1948 20-May-18 2
Overview of the League continued. Overview of the Astronomical League Composed of nearly 300 astronomical societies in US along with Members-at- Large The largest amateur astronomical organization in the world with approximately 17,000 members Represents interests of astronomers on many issues such as light pollution 20-May-18 3
Overview of the League continued. Overview of the Astronomical League Basic goal is to encourage an interest in astronomy throughout America Recognized non-profit organization in accordance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code Astronomical League divided into 10 geographical regions in US Each Region has its own regional officers and most have a annual regional convention. 20-May-18 4
Overview of the League continued. Overview of the Astronomical League 20-May-18 5
Astronomical League Membership Society Membership in the Astronomical League: $10 per year Society dues, plus: 95% or greater participation by club: $5.00 per year per participating member Less than 95% participation by club: $7.50 per year per participating member 20-May-18 6
Astronomical League Membership continued. (continued) Individual Memberships: Members-at-Large: $40 per year Non-US: $50 Youth: $20 Patron Member: $75 per year Lifetime Member: $400 20-May-18 7
National Office For more than 60 years, all volunteer organization 2003: National Office Opens October 2003: First employee, Mitch Glaze. 20-May-18 8
Amateur Astronomer Achievements Pro-Am Cooperation Discovery of Comets Minor Planets (Dr Comba) Variable Stars and AAVSO IOTA (Occultation Timing) CCD Imaging Educational and Public Outreach International DarkSky Association 20-May-18 9
NASA Support (Cooperative projects past & present) Sky Puppy Youth Observing Program Observation Challenges (Awards) Observation of Pluto to commemorate the New Horizons spacecraft fly-by. Observation of Mars to commemorate the launch of the InSight mission. Exoplanet Observation challenge to commemorate the launch of the TESS mission. Venus Transit Awards including AU calculation. Sun-Earth Connection (an educational CD) 20-May-18 10
Benefits & Services Reflector Magazine Book Service Observing Programs Outreach Downloads AstroNotes Horkheimer Library Telescope Program Conventions: National & Regional National Awards RASC Observing Handbook & Calendar discounts Optional liability insurance for Member Societies National Voice for Amateur Astronomy 20-May-18 11
Benefits & Services continued. REFLECTOR Magazine Quarterly publication of the Astronomical League mailed to all members Full Color, Glossy, 8.5 x 11 Member submitted content member driven articles League news, events and awards Quarterly light pollution column (IDA) 20-May-18 12
Benefits & Services continued. League Book Service Allows League members to purchase astronomy-related books at a 10% discount with no shipping and handling charges 20-May-18 13
Benefits & Services continued. Observing Programs Certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills Programs for novice to advanced amateur Over 60 Observing Programs to date Observing Program Manuals (for some awards) available for nominal fee from AL sales office 20-May-18 14
Benefits & Services continued Observing Programs Introductory Observing Awards Beyond Polaris Observing Program Constellation Hunter Sky Puppy (youth program) Universe Sampler 20-May-18 15
Benefits & Services continued Observing Programs Binocular Observing Awards Binocular Messier Binocular Double Star Binocular Variable Star Advanced Binocular Double Star Deep Sky Binocular Binocular Master Observer Southern Skies Binocular 20-May-18 16
Benefits & Services continued Observing Programs Telescopic Observing Awards Arp Peculiar Galaxies (Northern and Southern programs) Caldwell Objects Carbon Star Program Dark Nebulae Program Flat Galaxy Program Galaxy Group & Clusters Globular Clusters Herschel 400 Herschel II Local Galaxy Group & Galactic Neighborhood Messier Program Open Cluster Program Planetary Nebula Program Southern Skies Telescopic Urban Observing 20-May-18 17
Benefits & Services continued Observing Programs Topical Observing Awards Active Galactic Nuclei Analemma Solar Program Asterism Observing Program Asteroid Observing Bright Nebula Observing Program Comet Observers Dark Nebula Observing Program Double Star Galileo Observing Program Hydrogen Alpha Solar Observing Program Earth Orbiting Satellites Lunar Observing Lunar II Mars Observing Program Master Observer Program Now with 6 levels of progression/achievement! Meteor Program NASA Observation Challenge Certificates Occultation Observing Program 20-May-18 18
Benefits & Services continued Observing Programs Topical Observing Awards continued. Planetary Transit Special Observing Radio Astronomy Observing Program Sketching Observing Stellar Evolution Program Solar System Observing Sunspotters Target NEOs Award Two in the View Program Variable Star Award 20-May-18 19
Benefits & Services continued Activity Awards.. Activity Awards Dark Sky Advocate Program Outreach Award 20-May-18 20
Benefits & Services continued Activity Awards.. Outreach Award Very popular with clubs! Challenge your club to see how much Outreach they can do! Encourages individual public outreach 3 levels of recognition based on amount of outreach, starting with five 2-hour events A way to Nationally recognize volunteers in your club! 20-May-18 21
Public Outreach Star Parties and Public Viewing Nights at club observatories, or anywhere! 20-May-18 22
Benefits & Services continued Activity Awards Dark Sky Advocate Club Encourages amateur astronomers to actively confront, in a positive manner, the scourge of light pollution. Covers the broad areas of educating the public and of personal enlightenment. Activities include documenting celestial observations, giving presentations, contacting the media, and recognizing both good and bad lighting in the community. Candidates learn the facts on crime and safety, and discover current health and environmental concerns. 20-May-18 23
Benefits & Services continued Outreach Downloads Helping answer questions the public asks most often 20-May-18 24
Benefits & Services continued. Astro Notes Currently 29 Astro Notes available Concise description on various aspects of astronomy, amateur astronomy, or the Astronomical League Available for download from AL web site May be copied for redistribution or inclusion in society newsletters 20-May-18 25
Benefits & Services continued. Horkheimer Library Telescope Program One club in each of the ten AL regions wins a telescope!...but clubs must enter before the deadline. 10 Library Telescopes given away each year! Sponsored by The Horkheimer Charitable Fund 20-May-18 26
Benefits & Services continued. Astronomy Day Awards! Show off your incredible avocation to the public! 20-May-18 27
Benefits & Services continued. Conventions National Convention (ALCon) Gathering of amateur astronomers to learn and exchange ideas, techniques, and opinions on astronomy Annual convention held in different parts of the country each year. 20-May-18 28
Benefits & Services continued Conventions 2017 Casper, WY 2016 Arlington, VA 2015 Las Cruces, NM 2014 San Antonio, TX 2013 Atlanta, GA 2012 Chicago, IL 2011 Bryce Canyon, UT 2010 Tucson, AZ 2009 Long Island, NY 2008 Des Moines, IA 2007 Portland, OR 2006 Arlington, TX 2005 Kansas City, MO 2004 Berkley, CA 2003 Nashville, TN 2002 Salt Lake City, UT 2001 Frederick, MD 2000 Ventura, CA 1999 Spokane, WA 1998 French Lick Springs, IN 1997 Copper Mountain, CO 1996 Rockford, IL 1995 San Antonio, TX 1994 Kansas City, MO 1993 Madison WI 1992 San Jose, CA Previous ALCons 1991 Amherst, MA 1990 St. Louis, MO 1989 Spokane, WA 1988 Council Bluffs, IA 1987 Pomona, CA 1986 Baltimore, MD 1985 Tucson, AZ 1984 Milwaukee, WI 1983 Jacksonville, FL 1982 Peoria, IL 1981 Kutztown, PA 1980 Dallas, TX 1979 Portland, OR 1978 Madison, WI 1977 Boulder, CO 1976 Kutztown, PA 1975 Atlanta, GA 1974 East Lansing, MI 1973 Omaha, NE 1972 Seattle, WA 1971 Memphis, TN 1970 Pittsford, NY 1969 Denver, CO 1968 Chicago, IL 1967 Washington DC 1966 Miami, FL 1965 Milwaukee, WI 1964 Denver, CO 1963 Orono, ME 1962 Albuquerque, NM 1961 Detroit, MI 1960 Haverford, PA 1959 Denver, CO 1958 Ithaca, NY 1957 Kansas City, MO 1956 Miami, FL 1955 Seattle, WA 1954 Madison, WI 1953 Washington DC 1952 Dallas, TX 1951 Chapel Hill, NC 1950 Wellesley, MA 1949 Cleveland, OH 1948 Milwaukee, WI 1947 Philadelphia, PA 1946 Bloomfield Hills, MI 1945 (Not Held: WW II) 1944 (Not Held: WW II) 1943 (Not Held: WW II) 1942 (Not Held: WW II) 1941 Washington, DC 1940 Pittsburgh, PA 29 1939 New York, NY
Benefits & Services continued Conventions Next ALCon ALCON Expo July 11-14, 2018 Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota Hosted by Minnesota Astronomical Society Saturday Night AL Awards Banquet Details to come.. http://alcon.astroleague.org/ 20-May-18 30
Benefits & Services continued Conventions Future ALCons Make a proposal! Societies can make a proposal to the Council at Alcon 2 years in advance Local Society hosts convention, responsible for planning and execution of event 20-May-18 31
Benefits & Services continued. League National Awards The Astronomical League Award League s highest award Presented to amateur or professional astronomer who has made worthwhile contributions to the science of astronomy on a national or international level. G. R. Bob Wright Service Award Honors current or past League volunteers for service to the Astronomical League. 20-May-18 32
Benefits & Services continued National Awards The Leslie C. Peltier Award Presented to an amateur astronomer who has contributed to astronomical observations of lasting significance. Named after Leslie C. Peltier who discovered twelve comets, four novae and recorded over 132,000 variable star observations in his 62 years of observing. 20-May-18 33
Benefits & Services continued National Awards National Young Astronomer Award (NYAA) Recognizes outstanding work by amateur astronomers of high school age 1st place winner receives a Telescope valued at about $2,500 through the generosity of Explore Scientific 1st place winner also receives an all-expense paid trip to the League's national convention 20-May-18 34
Benefits & Services continued National Awards National Young Astronomer Award Sponsored by Explore Scientific 2015 Award winners: First Place: Theodora Mautz Second Place: Sydney Marler 20-May-18 35
Benefits & Services continued National Awards Horkheimer Youth Service Awards Horkheimer/Smith Award $1750 Expense paid trip to ALCon Horkheimer/D Auria Award $1000 Each presented to a League member under the age of 19 for outstanding service to the League or League member societies. Hagan Hensley, 2014 Sponsored by the Horkheimer Charitable Fund 20-May-18 36
Benefits & Services continued National Awards Horkheimer/Parker Youth Imaging Award 1st Place: $1000 2nd Place: $500 3rd Place: $250 Wide field, lunar and planetary, or deep sky objects Horkheimer/O Meara Journalism Award 1st Place: $1000 2nd Place: $500 3rd Place: $250 8 14 years of age 500 word essay on a science topic 20-May-18 37
Benefits & Services continued National Awards Astronomical League Astronomics Sketching Award Sketching increases your ability to see more! 1st place: $250 2nd place: $125 3rd place: $75 Sponsored by Astronomics 20-May-18 38
Benefits & Services continued National Awards Mabel Sterns Award Presented for outstanding editing of an amateur League-Society newsletter. Named after the League's first newsletter editor, Mabel Sterns (1948-1952) 20-May-18 39
Benefits & Services continued National Awards Webmaster Award: Best AL Society web site of the year. 20-May-18 40
Benefits & Services continued RASC Observer s Aids RASC Observer s Handbook & Calendar Special purchasing program with the Astronomical League Best single copy prices available. Quantity discounts available. Handbook: Starting in 2018, new USA version available, with data tailored to USA latitudes. Great reference data on Time, Optics & Observing, The Sky (Month by Month), Eclipses, the Moon, the Sun, Planets, Dwarf and Minor Planets, Meteors, Comets, and Dust, Stars, Deep Sky, Basic Astro Data. And more! Calendar: Beautiful complement to the Handbook; a great Wall Calendar. Filled with dates of notable celestial events, lunar and planetary conjunctions, eclipses, meteor showers. And more! Very handy daily reference Both items available from League Sales usually from September to December for the following year. 20-May-18 41
Benefits & Services continued RASC Observer s Aids RASC Observer s Handbook & Calendar 20-May-18 42
Benefits & Services continued. Optional liability insurance League Clubs are eligible to seek club liability insurance through Nuccio & Associates, who is known for its insurance products for hobby clubs across the US. Special discounted rates for AL Societies! 20-May-18 43
Benefits & Services continued. Vote! Full voting privileges to elect Astronomical League Officers Elections for Regional Officers held at Regional conventions Elections for National Officers held by mail Members-at-Large and member societies cast ballots in national elections 20-May-18 44
Benefits & Services continued. National Voice Largest amateur astronomy organization in the world, a strong voice for amateur astronomers. When we call or visit government offices or businesses to discuss light pollution or other issues on the behalf of the 17,000+ members of the League, they listen very closely. Among our activities, we defend astronomy, fight light pollution, and protect funding for planetariums. 20-May-18 45
Benefits & Services continued. Other benefits & services League Website: www.astroleague.org Astronomical League Sales Astronomy Day Coordinator - Assists members with publicity releases for Astronomy Day activities - Provides an Astronomy Day Handbook 20-May-18 46
Summary The Astronomical League is the largest astronomical organization in the world dedicated primarily to amateur astronomy. National presence with nearly 300 societies and 17,000 members. League National Office centralizing member services. Pro-Am and NASA cooperation. Promotes active astronomical outreach. 20-May-18 47