Messier and Binocular Messier Clubs

This document was created by Rocky Togni to assist astronomers to achieve the Astronomical League’s Messier and Binocular Messier Award. Messier Log

Constellation Hunter

Polar Alignment

Even the most casual observer knows that the Sun and stars move across the sky. These objects appear to move because the Earth rotates on its axis every day. In order for you to observe an object for any length of time, your telescope must track the sky in one way or another. Polar Alignment

Astro Calendars

• Asteroid Occultation Predictions
  A web based listing of upcoming asteroid occultation predictions.
• Heavens-Above
  If you’re interested in satellites or astronomy, Heavens-Above is the place for you!
• JPL Space Calendar
  The Space Calendar covers space-related activities and anniversaries for the coming year.
• Transit Times of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
  Calculate the best times to see the Great Red Spot.

Astro Periodicals

• Astronomy Magazine   Astronomy.com, Astronomy Magazine, offers daily astronomy and space news, star charts, pictures of planets, space missions, eclipse and much more.
• Sky and Telescope Sky and Telescope, the Essential Magazine of Astronomy. News, observing tips, how-to advice, and more!
• Sky at Night Magazine The biggest name in astronomy

Astro Software

• Cartes du Ciel Sky Charts
  A free sky charting program that uses the data in 16 stellar and nebulae catalogs in addition to positions of planets, asteroids and comets.
• Home Planet
  Home Planet is a comprehensive astronomy, space and satellite-tracking package for Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME and Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP.
• K3 CCD Tools
  Software for capturing and processing images with web cams and similar devices.
• NIST Internet Time Service (ITS)
  The NIST Internet Time Service (ITS) allows users to synchronize computer clocks via the Internet. The time information provided by the service is directly traceable to UTC(NIST). The service responds to time requests from any Internet client in several formats including the DAYTIME, TIME, and NTP protocols.
• Stellarium
  An excellent free PC based planetarium program.

Other Astro Clubs

• Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society
  The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising the public’s awareness about the science of astronomy and to increasing the application of astronomical science in education. The AOAS primary focus is the reqion around in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
• Red River Astronomy Club
  Astro club near Nashville, Arkansas. Dark skies, beautiful facility, and warm hospitality! Ark-La-Tex Star Party was hosted here in 2005.

Other Astro Sites

• AAVSO
  The American Association of Variable Star Observers: Professional and Amateur collection,
  research, and analyses of variable star observations.
• ALPO
  The Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers.
• Astronomical League
  The Astronomical League is a confederation of amateur astronomers and amateur astronomy organizations. The league promotes learning about astronomy, observing the sky, and communications among amateur astronomers.
• Hubble Heritage Project
  Images from the Hubble Space Telescope.
• International Meteor Organization
  The International Meteor Organization is a comprehensive site for amatuer meteor work.
• International Occultation Timing Association
  Master index and information site for lunar occultations and grazes.
• Mars Society
  The Purpose of the Mars Society is to further the goal of the exploration and settlement of the Red Planet.
• Minor Planet & Comet Ephemeris Service
  A comprehensive online resource for minor planet and comet research.
• MSRAL
  Mid States Region of the Astronomical Society online.

Other Interesting Sites

• Night Sky Info
  Weekly information about the night sky, astronomy articles and observations.