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Activity
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Description
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Archaeoastronomy
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Study and even visit ancient astronomical ruins around the world.
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Asteroid Observing
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There are more than just nine planets in the Solar System.
Observe and monitor the smallest ones.
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Astronomical Art
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Create your own astronomical images based on observing or theoretical work.
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Astrophotography
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Photograph the many interesting objects and phenomena visible in the night sky.
- Lunar and Planetary
- Sun and Sunspots
- Aurora
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- Galaxies, Nebulae and Star Clusters
- Meteors and Meteor atmospheric entry
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Binocular Observing
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Learn the Lunar features, Constellations and various stellar and planetary objects,
and Star-Hop your way around the sky. Earn an observing certificate.
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CCD Imaging
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Trap images electronically for later computer enhancement and analysis.
- Galaxies
- Sun and Sunspots
- Moon and Planets
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- Asteroids
- Galaxies, Nebulae and Star Clusters
- Stars, and Stellar Photometry and Spectroscopy
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Celestial Mechanics
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Study Newton's Laws of Motion, and how the physics of the universe works with others.
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Collecting Astronomy
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Collect the old, different, or unusual items that make astronomy interesting.
- Antique Astronomy Books
- Sun Dials and Clocks
- Journal Articles
- Convention Memorabilia
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- Antique Telescopes
- Star Charts and Maps
- Paper Currency / Coins
- Special Event T-shirts
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- Stamps
- Postcards
- Meteorites
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Comet Hunting
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Search for, and possibly become the first to discover, one of these elusive
objects and
possibly have it named after you.
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Computer Astronomy
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Use the computer as a tool to better understand the sky and the universe.
- CCD Image Enhancement
- Planetarium & Educational Software
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- Calculate celestial events
with your own programs
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Deep Sky Observing
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Observe the Messier, Herschel, or other lists of galaxies, star
clusters, and other objects. Report the results for certificate* recognition.
- Messier Objects (*UACNJ, Ast. League)
- Herschel Objects (*Ast. League)
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- Double Stars (*Ast. League)
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Ham Radio
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Communicate with celestial objects.
- Bounce signals off the moon, or meteor trails
- Determine earth atmosphere meteor entry altitudes and velocities
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Historical Research
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Learn about observations made in the past. Study about, or even do original
research on,
- Early astronomers (both men and women) and their work.
- Telescope Makers, and the equipment they made.
- New Jersey Observatories and discoveries (Rutgers, Princeton,
public, private, etc.)
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Light Pollution
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Get involved with the problem of light pollution, the poor or improper lighting
that causes difficulty with night driving, degrades home security, and of course,
ruins our night skies.
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Lunar Eclipses
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Observe and/or photograph the passage of the Moon into the shadow of the Earth
from your own back yard.
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Moon & Planets
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Observe the Moon and planets and report the data to the various divisions of the
American Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO).
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Occultations
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Observe the eclipsing of a star or planet by the Moon or an asteroid, record the
timings and report your results to the International Occulation Timing
Association (IOTA).
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Photometry
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Electronically observe and measure light variations in stars and other objects.
Results may be reported to the International Amateur-Professional Photoelectric
Photometry organization (IAPPP) or the American Association of Variable Star
Observers (AAVSO).
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Radio Astronomy
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Observe the Universe in the Radio Spectrum.
- Solar Events
- Jupiter Eruptions
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- Map the Milky Way Galaxy
- Detect Sudden Ionispheric Disturbances (SIDs)
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Solar Eclipses
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Travel the globe to observe, photograph and record data about these most
spectacular, awe inspiring, and probably the most beautiful of celestial events.
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Spectroscopy
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Observe and analyze the make-up of the Sun and stars with your own equipment.
(UACNJ Spectroscopy Certificate available).
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Sunspot Observing
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Record the changes in sunspot activity and report your results to ALPO.
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Telescope Making
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Grind your own mirror, make the mount, or build your own observatory.
Enter your creation at the Stellafane telescope making convention.
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Variable Stars
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Visually observe stellar light intensity changes and report the data to the AAVSO.
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