The American Association of Amateur Astronomers

A Packet of Observing Programs from the Astronomical League and A Primer for the Beginning Astronomer Five Lessons to Help You learn the Sky
AL Observing Programs	PDF File Name
Messier Club - 70 object and 110 object levels for the telescope.	Astronomer's Messier Journal
Binocular Messier Club - 50 of the best Messier objects for binoculars.	al-binom.pdf (796 KB)
Deep Sky Binocular Club - 60 additional deep sky objects for binoculars.	al-binod.pdf (487 KB)
Southern Skies Binocular Club - 50 of the finest objects in the Southern Hemisphere.	al-binos.pdf (511 KB)
Herschel Club - 400 deep sky objects for the telescope.	Astronomer's Herschel 400 Journal
Herschel II Club - 400 more challenge deep-sky objects for the telescope.	Buy Manual from AL Sales
Double Star Club - 100 of the finest double & multiple stars in the heavens.	al-dstar.pdf (581 KB)
Lunar Club - 100 features on the moon for naked eye, binoculars, and telescope.	al-lunar.pdf (500 KB)
Meteor Club - observe a series of meteor showers, and record your observations for ALPO.	Buy Manual from AL Sales
Sunspotters Club - observe and study sunspots and their cycles.	Buy Manual from AL Sales
Arp Peculiar Galaxy Club - CCD image or observe 100 Arp galaxies.	al-arp.pdf (767 KB)
Urban Club - observe 100 objects in heavily light-polluted areas.	al-urban.pdf (726 KB)
Asteroid Club - learn to identify and observe asteroids and minor planets.	al-asteroid.pdf (257 KB)
Universe Sampler - a journey through the universe for the beginner.	Buy Manual from AL Sales
Planetary Club - 27 selected projects to introduce the pleasures of planetary observing.	alplanet.pdf (338 KB)
AAAA Observing Log - Record essential information during your observing session. 10 objects per page.	a4-obsfm.pdf
AAAA Observation Log and Sketch Template - Make drawings at the eyepiece. 1 object per page.	a4-sketch.PDF
The Astronomer's Journal. Newly Revised and Updated by AAAA
Astronomer's Messier Journal Organize your Messier Observations!	Astronomer's Herschel 400 Journal The Herschel 400 Club Just Got Easier!

Observing is the
Heart of Amateur Astronomy

In 1781, French astronomer Charles Messier listed 110 of the most important objects available to amateur observers and their telescopes. As a member of the AAAA, you are eligible to earn the Astronomical League's Messier Observing Award for observing all of the beautiful objects on Messier’s list, get an official Certificate of Participation, and receive a Messier Club lapel pin. There are other programs you can participate in, too, including ones for binoculars, telescopes, and computers. See the list for all the observing programs available to Astronomical Legue members. We have an observing club to meet every individual's interest in this wonderful hobby of ours.

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 certification for AL Observing Programs.

AL Observing Programs
in Adobe PDF Format

The PDF files offered on this page were created using Adobe Acrobat Exchange Version 3.0. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 3.0 or higher to read these files in your web browser. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a plug-in that works with both Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer browser software. If you have an older version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, or need to download this FREE software, click here now.

The largest PDF file is 1500KB and may take several minutes to download. Please be patient.

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 3.0 to access the Portable Document File for the observing program of your choice. Or, visit the link to the Astronomical League's Web Page for more details about each program.

NOTE: These observing programs are distributed FREE by the Astronomical League and are provided here in PDF format at no charge as a service to members of the AAAA, the Astronomical League, and the astronomical community at large.