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Welcome to the Astronomical League's Planetary Observers Club. The Planetary Observers Club is a list of twenty-seven selected projects designed to introduce you to the pleasures of planetary observing. To obtain a free copy of the Planetary Observing Guide, send a self-addressed stamped standard #10 business envelope with stamps for two ounces ($0.55) to:

Planetary Observing Club
Paul R. Castle
2535-45 St.
Rock Island, IL 61201

If you would like to download the Planetary Club in PDF format, 
click HERE now.

Observing skills come only with experience. An eye trained by observing will see more, regardless of what type of optical aid is used. Good observing skills reinforce the desire to observe. Observing trains the eye to see. It is a cycle that has to be willed to happen. Given the time and effort it WILL happen. Once it happens, astronomy will become a joyful lifelong experience.

In these days of increasing light pollution the wonders of our own solar system may well take on an increased importance among skywatchers. Dark skies and moonless nights are not a priority for any of the listed projects. If you are intrigued by the enclosed projects I would refer you to the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. ALPO members regularly observe solar system objects and have contributed significantly to our understanding of this corner of the universe. For more information you may contact:

Harry D. Jamieson
P.O. Box 171302
Memphis, TN 381871302

Whether you decide to go on to serious data collection or simply observe for your own edification - enjoy yourself. The sky is there for all. It is a great equalizer. Beneath its huge expanse we are all are reduced to nearly infinitesimal size, but in trying to understand it we grow.

Rules and Regulations

To qualify for the AL's Planetary Observers Club Certificate and pin, you need only be a member of the Astronomical League, either through an affiliated club or as a Member-at-Large, and complete twenty-five of the suggested projects. Record your observations on copies of the included log. Some observations may require sketches but don't panic, artistic prowess is not required. Make as many copies of the log sheet as you will need. rill in information appropriate to that project.

At the end of the projects you will find a glossary of terms.

To receive your Planetary Observers Club Certificate and pin, simply send a copy of your logs along with your name, address, phone number and club affiliation to:

Paul Castle
Planetary Observers Club Chairman
2535-45th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
PRC29@aol.com

Upon verification of your observations, your certificate and pin will be forwarded to you or your club's Award Coordinator, whomever you choose.

Happy Observing!

Paul Castle

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You MUST be a member of the Astronomical League, either through membership in an affiliated astronomical society or as a Member-at-Large, to receive certification for the Planetary Observers Club.

As a member of the AAAA, not only are you eligible to earn this observing award, but you will also get your own subscription to the Astronomical League's newsletter, the REFLECTOR, as well as our own quarterly newsletter, The American Astronomer.

Join the AAAA, the first nationwide astronomy club for all amateur astronomers