The Proposed AANC Century Award List

Coordinator: Morris Jones

October, 1999

Astronomy is rife with lists. Every new survey of objects in the sky generates a list, from Messier's list, to the Hubble Guide Star Catalog, to the Hipparcos astrometric survey. Some lists are too daunting for the average amateur astronomer to even consider (it takes a Steve Gottlieb to try to tackle the entire New General Catalog!).

Messier's list of non-comets is an excellent introduction to deep sky observing for every astronomer, but it highlights only one aspect of the interesting observing to be done in the night sky.

The new AANC Century Award list is not intended to be the capstone of an astronomy career, but an excellent introduction to a variety of observing experiences. It should provide a newcomer with a powerful repertoire of showpieces, while perhaps introducing the intermediate observer to some objects he may not have tried before.

Here are my guidelines for choosing objects in the AANC Century Award:

• The list should be a mix of favorites and targets slightly off the beaten path.
• Objects in the list may suggest additional avenues of study.
• Travel to a dark sky location should be required to complete the list. (I feel it's important to develop at least a passing acquaintance with the night sky of our ancestors.)
• The list should be attainable with a six-inch telescope, but not all objects on the list require a telescope.
• There should be a mix of deep-sky, planetary, and lunar targets, as well as interesting stellar objects.
• Completing the list will require the astronomer to develop skill in the use of charts, ephemerides, and other astronomical resources at hand.
• There should be exactly 100 objects.

To receive the award, an astronomer must submit an observing log listing date, time, and location for each observation, along with a nominal fee. The numbered award will include a numbered certificate suitable for framing and a jacket patch for wearing on your favorite "flight suit." Recipients will be listed with their award number on an AANC Century Award web page.

Currently there are about 110 objects on the proposed list. I would like to finalize the list by December 1. Please email me with suggestions to add or subtract from the list.

It is my intention to augment the publication of the list with the following:

• A blank online observing log to be printed, filled in and submitted with an award application
• Additional comments on how to locate and observe various targets
• Links to online sites featuring finder charts, satellite predictions, and other observing aids, such as Akkana Peck's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Moon

Timeline:

December 1, 1999

Finalize the AANC Century Award list and announce the award

January 1, 2000

Observations for the Award begin - all logged observations must be made after January 1.

February 1, 2000

Finish design for the certificate and plaque, and be ready to present awards

During 2000

Have a slide/speaker program about the AANC Century Award available for local clubs to present to their membership.

The List by Constellation

The List by Object Type