Excerpt from the August, 2010 edition of the ASKC monthly newsletter - the "Cosmic Messenger"
As Observing Program Coordinator for the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, I get asked what a good observing program is for the beginner. Astro Quest is the one I most often suggest as the initiation into observing programs. Astro Quest is not an Astronomical League program, but was created by the ASKC’s Education Committee in early 1995.
Astro Quest was designed not to necessarily learn the constellations, or how to star-hop, or even how to use a telescope — it was designed to get you out under the stars and looking up at the heavens. It is a list of observing targets and astronomy-oriented activities. Each item on the list is assigned a point value. You only need to earn 90 points to complete this program. The best part — you don’t have to do it alone!
An Astro Quest Night at was held at Powell Observatory in October, 2010. Observers arrived at sunset and started observing as soon as Venus was visible in the west. Several telescopes were set up to view objects that were listed in the program. All that was needed was to look through the eyepiece.
Once the Astro Quest is completed, observing certificates and lapel pins are awarded. Check back often to find out when another evening in Spring, 2011 will bet set to observe even more of the Astro Quest objects!
Note: Astro Quest is open to ASKC Members only
