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The Astronomical League's
UNIVERSE SAMPLER

A Journey Through the Universe for the Beginner

An Observing Program for Small Telescopes or Naked-Eye Observing

by

Amelia Goldberg
5115 Stillbrooke
Houston, TX 77035
goldberg@infohiwy.net

There is a serious need for an introductory observing program for the beginner. The Universe Sampler will fill that need.

The Universe Sampler is a program that can be used as a teaching tool in club novice programs. It is unlike any other League observing program in that it is not designed to measure one's observing skills, but is designed as a teaching program that will give the newly interested person a taste of what our hobby is all about. It is not a difficult program to complete, but it is challenging enough to make the beginner feel that he/she has really accomplished something. It is a stepping-stone to teach the new observer the skills needed to tackle the other League observing programs. Offering an alternate list of naked-eye deep sky objects for the newly interested person who has access to dark skies but does not have a telescope is an important feature of the program.

The Universe Guide is available for $7.00 from:

INTRODUCTION

The Universe Sampler observing program for the beginning observer was created by Amelia Goldberg and Barbara Wilson, both members of the Houston Astronomical Society. They co-chaired the club's Novice Committee from 1994-1996. Avid supporters of visual astronomy, they had success using the Messier list of objects as the basis for an observer participation program in 1994. While discussing plans for the 1996 novice program, both agreed that they wanted to again use an observing program with active observer participation. Since there was no program available to fit their needs, Barbara suggested that they create their own program and chose the name; hence, the Universe Sampler was born.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction

• Acknowledgments

• Lesson 1 - Basic Sky Movement

• Lesson 2 - How To Find North in the Sky

• Lesson 3 - Star Charts and Constellation Patterns

• Lesson 4 - Angular Measures of Distance

• Lesson 5 - Stating the Location of Objects in the Sky

• Lesson 6 - Star-Hopping

• Lesson 7 - Eyepiece Field Orientation

• Lesson 8 - Recording Your Observations

• Lesson 9 - The Art of Seeing

• Lesson 10 - The Moon

• Lesson 11 - Variable Stars

• Lesson 12 - The Sun

• Object List I - For Telescope Users and Naked-Eye Observers

• Object List II - For Telescope Users Only

• Object List III - For Naked-Eye Observers Only

The Universe Sampler observing program is a unique observing program designed specifically for the beginning observer. It is designed to expose the beginner to a sample of the many different types of objects that the Universe has to offer for our observing enjoyment. It is designed to help the new observer learn his or her way around the sky and to teach some of the basics of astronomy. It offers an alternate naked-eye list of deep sky objects for those who are interested in astronomy but shy away because they do not have a telescope or binoculars.

The Universe Sampler will take you on an exciting journey through the heavens. You will meet many of the brightest stars, learn their names and the constellations in which they are found. You will visit our moon and some of the planets that share our solar system. You will greet at least one of the comets that leave the outer reaches of the solar system to visit the neighborhood of the sun. You will become acquainted with double stars, variable stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

Once you have completed the Universe Sampler observing program, you should be well acquainted with the night sky and be able to find your way among the stars with no problem. You should be in a position to know what type of objects interest you most and be ready to continue your observing with one or more of the Astronomical League's other observing programs, e.g., the Messier List, the Double Star program, the Lunar program, etc.

Rules and Regulations

• You must be a member of the Astronomical League either through an affiliated club or as a Member at Large.

• Use of setting circles, computer driven telescopes (except for tracking purposes only) or any electronic device used to locate objects is not allowed. The purpose of the Universe Sampler program is to help the beginner .learn his or her way around the sky. Use of the devices mentioned above would defeat the purpose of the program. Instead, use the star-hop method to locate objects. Refer to the lesson on star-hopping.
• You must complete Object List I as naked-eye observations. You must complete either Object List 11 as telescopic/ binocular observations or Object List III as naked-eye observations.
• You must keep a log of your observations stating the object number or name, date/time and location, seeing conditions, size of instrument and magnification (or naked-eye observation) and your description of the object. You may copy the log sheets in the back of the manual for your use.

Upon completion of the program, submit your log sheets to an officer or appointed person from your club for verification. A letter from that person should be sent to the address below requesting your certificate and pin. Members-at-Large should submit copies of log sheets directly to the address below since originals will not be returned unless you supply a postage-paid return envelope.

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

Amelia Goldberg
Universe Sampler Coordinator
5115 Stillbrooke
Houston, TX 77035
goldberg@infohiwy.net

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!

Amelia Goldberg

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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 the Universe Sampler Certificate.

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.