The Astronomical League Observing Awards - Many RCA Members have accomplished Observing Awards -  see them HERE!
The Astronomical League Observing Clubs offer encouragement and certificates of accomplishment for demonstrating observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects. These include the Messier Club, Binocular Messier Club, Herschel 400 Club, Deep Sky Binocular Club, Southern Skies Binocular Club, Meteor Club, Double Star Club, Lunar Club, Globular Cluster Club, Constellation Hunter Club, Southern Sky Telescopic Club, Open Cluster Club, Planetary Nebula Club, Lunar II Club and Outreach Club. Other clubs are the: Arp Peculiar Galaxy Club, Asteroid Observing Club, Caldwell Club, Comet Club, Double Star Club, Earth Orbiting Satellite Club, Galaxy Groups & Clusters Club, Herschel II Club, The Master Observer Club, Meteor Club, Planetary Observers Club, Sky Puppy Club, Sunspotters Club, Universe Sampler Club and Urban Observing Club. Each Club offers a certificate based upon achieving certain observing goals and a beautiful award pin. These are usually in the form of a specific number of objects of a specific group with a given type of instrument. Occasionally there are multiple levels of accomplishment within the club. There is no time limit for completing the required observing, but good record keeping is required.
Many RCA Members have accomplished Observing Awards - see them HERE!
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The Astronomical League Award
Presented to any person, either amateur or professional, who has made worthwhile contributions to the science of astronomy on a national or international level. Nomination must be made in writing to the Executive Secretary and contain the affiliation with the League (if any), and the reasons the person should be considered for the award.
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G.R. "Bob" Wright Service Award
This award honors current or past League volunteers for service to the Astronomical League.
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The Leslie C. Peltier Award
This award is presented to an amateur astronomer who contributed to astronomical observations of lasting importance.
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National Young Astronomer Award
This award recognizes outstanding work, by amateur astronomers of high school age, in areas of research, public education, academic scholarship in astronomy or science, observing, imaging, telescope or equipment design or construction, publications and writing, local club activities, and regional and national organizational activities. This award is supported by Meade Instruments, Inc.
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Jack Horkheimer Award
This award is presented to a League member under the age of 19 for outstanding service to the League or League member societies. This award is supported by Jack Horkheimer, The Star Gazer.
In 2008, RCA Youth Member Christina Lee won this award.
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Mabel Sterns Award
This award is presented to the outstanding editing of a League-society newsletter. Newsletter from League-member institutions, such as planetariums, museums and event boards, are not eligible.
In 2007, RCA Gazette Editor Larry Deal won this award.
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Special Award
From time to time the Astronomical League presents special awards to people who have contributed greatly to astronomy and/or the League, but do not fall into any of the other award categories. The special awards are generally administered by the President. No deadline specified.
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Webmaster Award
The purpose of this award is to acknowledge the club Webmaster who does an outstanding job of Website design and administration.
In 2003, RCA Webmaster Dareth Murray won this award.
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