As a member organization of the Astronomical League, the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers participates in the AL’s observing programs. Our members are encouraged to complete these observing projects and earn certificates of accomplishment from the organization. Our Hall of Fame section lists BBAA members who have completed such programs.

One of the most popular observing programs is the Messier Program. It is named after Charles Messier (1730-1817), a comet hunter who, along with his assistant Pierre Mechain, compiled a list of more than a hundred nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. He hoped to make this list known to other comet hunters so that they would not confuse these objects with suspected comets. Today this list of 110 objects is generally considered to contain many of the sky’s best showpieces. It is often considered a “rite of passage” for any beginning observer.

Most of the programs require that you independently locate and observe the objects on the list. You must keep good logs, often including the date, time, location, viewing conditions, instrument, magnification, and filters used. Some observing programs (such as the Messier Program) do not allow automated searches; you must instead manually star-hop to the objects on the list. Some of the programs will even require you to make sketches of what you see, but artistic ability is not required.

BBAA members that complete an observing program should submit their observing logs, drawings, or other required evidence of completion directly to the AL coordinator for their program as listed on the AL web page. Please also CC: the Astronomical League Coordinator, Bruce Powers: alcor -at backbayastro -dot org to coordinate announcing your certificate and pin from the AL at club meetings. If the member is under age 18, please submit to Astronomical League Coordinator, Bruce Powers: alcor -at backbayastro -dot org first for initial review.

For more information on the Astronomical League's observing programs, see their webpage. Additionally, don't forget to take a look at the BBAA-created Planetary Nebula Program!

Feel free to utilize our observing logs for your next observing session Observation and Sketch Log.pdf and Observation Log.pdf.