AL(L) or Nothing!

This is the first of a series of articles on the Astronomical League (AL) certifications. If there is interest, the plan will be to cover one a month. Of course there are 18 at this time, so well go as far as we can. All opinions in these articles are the author's. Differing opinions are also welcome. I am not an expert at these clubs nor astronomy, but I have completed 8 of these certifications, so I have a little experience.

One of the benefits of membership in the North Houston Astronomy Club is a membership in the Astronomical League. Their website has lots of good information, and amid all of the good stuff is a section on their Observing Clubs. To get to their website, you can use the link on our club's website, or simply go directly to the site www.astroleague.org. At the current time, there are programs for all levels of expertise - novice to expert, all types of equipment - naked eye, binoculars, or telescope, and any budget. Many of the Observing Clubs specialize in one specific area within astronomy. Whatever you're looking for is probably there. I believe that it is helpful to have a direction you're heading when you participate in astronomy. The real question is where to begin?

To help answer that question, here is a short decision tree. There is some overlap (not shown). For example: If you have a CCD, you might want to image the Messier or Caldwell objects.

Choose one of the next three paragraphs that best describes your situation:

No Equipment (Naked Eye). If you have access to the internet, then try the Earth Orbiting Satellite Club. If you do not have access to the internet, try the Meteor Club.

Binoculars Only. If you have access to the Southern skies, try the Southern Skies Binocular Club. If not, try either the Messier Binocular Club (a good one to start with) or the Deep Sky Binocular Club. 

Telescope. Many vistas are open to you. If you are just starting out, you might try the Universe Sampler Club. If you are plagued by light pollution, you might want to try the Urban Club. If you have a personal interest, one of these clubs might appeal to you: Planetary Observers Club, Double Star Club, Lunar Club, or the Asteroid Observing Club. If you have the required equipment indicated, then one of these clubs might interest you: Sunspotters Club (solar filter) or the ARP Peculiar Galaxies Club (CCD Camera). If you are into deep sky wonders, then you have to decide to go manual or automatic? If you are a purist, then go for the Messier Club or the Caldwell Club (no “go-to” and no setting circles, use star-hopping). If you want to let the telescope do some of the work then try the Herschel 400 Club or Herschel II Club.

Done it ALl? Then you need to go for the Master Observer Club.