The Sky’s The Limit

By Aaron B. Clevenson, ALCor

“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
- Muriel Rukeyser, 1958

Stop! Unless you answer one of these questions “YES”, then you should skip this article. This article is about the Sky Puppy Club. We do not want you to read about it and get excited unless you are able to do it.
- Are you 11 years old or younger?
- Do you have children 11 or younger?
- Do you have grandchildren 11 or younger?
- Do you have friends with children 11 or younger?

Since you are still here, I guess you must have said “YES” to at least one of these questions, so please, let me continue.

This is a brand new program from the Astronomical League. It is designed for young astronomers who are 11 years old or younger. In this program you will see wonders of the Universe, and experience some of the skills that you will need as you chase after more difficult objects in outer space. Let’s see what we will be doing…

The first set of requirements center around 15 constellations of your choice. You first draw them (you can use a book for help), then you need to identify them in the night sky, and lastly, you need to be able to identify the brighter stars and other objects that are part of those constellations. Sounds like fun so far. Then you need to tell two stories about constellations.

Next, you need to be able to locate and explain the Milky Way and you need to be able to find the North Star. You also need to locate 5 deep space objects using binoculars. Remember to keep a log book of your observations.

Lastly, you need to observe and sketch: Jupiter and its moons, the Sun with Sunspots, and a Crater on the Moon. And that’s it. There are lots of “older” astronomers in the club who would love to help you. Just ask.

Next month we go back into the deepest realms of space, back to the galaxies for the Galaxy Groups and Clusters Club. Join us.