The Royal Astronomical Association of Canada offers a variety of Observing Certificates:
The RASC Montreal Centre Family Programme --- NEW! --- Click here to read the introduction to our kid's programme Become a Sky Wizard and Master the Universe by RASC Montreal Centre president Andrew Fazekas. For general information about our Family Programme, click here to download the Sky Wizard brochure (pdf format, 2.2Mb) |
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The Binocular Challenge
Developed by Marc Ricard of our Montreal Centre, you only need a pair of binoculars
to observe the list of deep-sky objects and double stars in this challenge.
An ideal project for beginners!
Click here to browse the Binocular Challenge on-line.
Explore the Universe
To earn this certificate, participants are required to observe a variety of
celestial objects such as the planets, double and multiple stars, variable
stars, the moon, and some deep-sky objects. This certificate is ideal for
those beginning to observe the night sky.
The Messier Challenge
As the name suggests, participants are required to observe a list of Messier
objects. To master this challenge, you will need a medium-sized telescope.
As a point of interest, it was Montreal Centre member Isabel K. Williamson
who "invented" this challenge, which has now been taken up by astronomy
clubs all over the world.
The NGC Finest Challenge
This observing certificate is a challenge for experienced observers. You'll
need a big telescope and a lot of perserverance to spot all NGC objects on
this list!
The Isabel K. Williamson
Lunar Observing Challenge
In honour of one of the Montreal Centre's most famous members, this Lunar
observing challenge is named after Isabel K. Williamson. Requiring only a
small to mid-sized telescope, this comprehensive observing challenge is still
quite demanding. Montreal Centre members may join the IKW Lunar Observing Group. If you are a member, check out more info in the Members Only section of this website.
For information on how to obtain the observing
certificate booklets, please get in touch with us at the Montreal Centre at
stardust@bettinaforget.com,
or link to the RASC national website at www.rasc.ca
