Galaxy Groups and Clusters Observing Guide

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There are two ways to earn awards with this observing program. 

• To get a certificate of completion and your name on the GGC awards website, you must observe at least 30 objects with complete documentation in one or more of the categories listed below.
  

• To earn the complete GGC certification, you must observe at least 120 objects in the 4 categories.
  

• You must be a member of the Astronomical League, either through membership in an affiliated astronomical society or as a Member-at-Large.

Categories

1) 30 Galaxy Trios;
2) 30 Hickson compact galaxy groups;
3) 30 Additional Galaxy Groups;
4) 30 Abell galaxy clusters.

Record your observations on the form in the guide with these guidelines:

• Write object descriptions that will include at a minimum:
  - Date
  - Time (specify local time zone or Universal Time)
  - Site (name site and include approximate latitude, longitude and elevation)
  - Seeing (describe on a scale; indicate which scale you are using)
  - Transparency (give naked eye limiting magnitude or specify an alternate scale)
  - Averted vision level if applicable
  - Instrument (include information on telescope, eyepieces, CCD cameras or
    other instrumentation)
  - Description, in your own words, of the group and individual galaxies as
    appropriate (in many cases you will probably only see a very faint smudge).
  
• Complete an index by putting the page number of your descriptions next to the
  groups and clusters on the list. (The check-off and date columns are for your
  own use.)

• Complete the Submittal Form and send it, along with your descriptions and index, to the Galaxy Groups and Clusters Certification Committee, Rose City Astronomers, OMSI, 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97124. (We recommend that you send in copies of your observations and keep the originals. We also request that, if possible, you do not ask them to be returned to you.

NOTE: There are two categories of search methods for this program, "Manual" and "Device-Aided." To be considered for the "Manual" certificate, ALL of the objects must be observed manually. A space is provided on the Submittal Form to indicate your search method. Definitions are:

• Manual: This term is hard to describe in words that will cover all contingencies that technology may potentially bring. In general, observers know the intent of the word "manual" and should use their judgment accordingly. There are two components to "manual." One is that the observer hand-guides the telescope to the object. The other is that the observer uses his/her eye to see through the telescope to navigate to the object. Visual finder scopes or reflex sights are permitted. Observing programs submitted with 100% of the objects searched using the manual method will have an "M" designation on the certificate next to the certificate number.

• Device-Aided: The observer uses aids such as manual or digital setting circles, computer devices, screen locating, or other aids that guide the telescope to the object. There will be a "DA" designation on the certificate next to the certificate number.

• Besides two types of search methods, there are two types of observing techniques: visual and imaging. Your certificate will also reflect the observing technique used.
  - Visual: Observed with the eye through the optics of the telescope.
  - Imaging: Observations obtained using astrophotography and/or CCD
    techniques.

Copyright 2006